pistol

noun

pis·​tol ˈpi-stᵊl 

1

: a handgun whose chamber is integral with the barrel

broadly : handgun

2

: a notably sharp, spirited, or energetic person

pistol transitive verb

Synonyms

• dynamo

Examples of pistol in a Sentence

a real pistol, she dances rings around the other performers

Recent Examples on the Web

In the film, the pistol feels like both an inheritance from the father and a symbol of spirit. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025

Online rumors have suggested Glock is discontinuing most of its pistol models, though these claims have not been verified. —Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025

The caller reported that the man, later identified as Ashley, appeared to be experiencing a possible mental health episode and might have a pistol in his pocket, the Sheriff’s Office said. —Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2025

Daniels took the snap out of the pistol formation and dropped back to pass in the third quarter. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French pistole, from German, from Middle High German pischulle, from Czech píšt'ala, literally, pipe, fife; akin to Czech pištět to squeak

First Known Use

circa 1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pistol

• machine pistol
• pistol grip
• pistol-whip
• Very pistol
• water pistol

Rhymes for pistol

• distal
• pistil
• polycrystal

Kids Definition

pistol

noun

pis·​tol ˈpis-tᵊl 

: a short firearm made to be aimed and fired with one hand

Etymology

from early French pistole "pistol," from German pistole (same meaning), derived from Czech píšt'ala, literally, "pipe, fife"