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

In a search, an officer found $1,400 — the exact amount allegedly stolen during the robbery — and the pistol, which had been stashed beside a seat, according to court records. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026

The city’s ongoing lawsuit points to the proliferation of machine gun conversion devices used on semiautomatic pistols. —Jack O'Connor, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026

The agency said Johnson County deputies found Rogers, who was reportedly holding a pistol, before gunfire was exchanged. —Briauna Brown, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026

While investigating, deputies encountered William Rogers holding a pistol, according to the DPS spokesperson. —Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 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"