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

Mangione's defense is arguing that evidence including his backpack and its contents - a 9mm pistol with a silencer and a notebook filled with writings expressing disdain for the health insurance industry - should not be admitted, saying it was unlawfully searched without a warrant. —Christina Fan, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025

Wearing disposable medical masks and armed with pistols, two men broke into a south Fort Worth house early on Friday, woke a resident and insisted on learning the location of electronics, according to a 911 call record. —Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Dec. 2025

Prosecutors said investigators found in Davis’ apartment a short-barrel AR-15-style pistol loaded with 23 rounds of ammunition. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 5 Dec. 2025

His duty vest and pistol were on the front passenger seat. —Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 4 Dec. 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"