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 of pistol

• dynamo

Examples of pistol in a Sentence

a real pistol, she dances rings around the other performers

Recent Examples on the Web

Gross got out and drew his pistol, a 9mm Glock. —Emerson Clarridge updated February 26, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Feb. 2026

In one recent prosecution, the Department of Justice charged a father-son duo with attempting to drive more than 300 rifles and pistols, plus ammunition and magazines, over the Mexican border. —Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026

An automatic pistol lay on the table. —Josh Ireland, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026

Police say that Myers and Kevin then got into an argument, prompting Tatmon to punch Kevin and draw his pistol. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2026

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"