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

According to eyewitness testimony, Dilliehunt and Pickens’ girlfriend began punching each other, and Pickens waved a pistol around in an attempt to break it up. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 12 June 2026

Investigators said Brown and Prophett exited the Expedition as Creasy was leaving, with Prophett holding a pistol. —Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 12 June 2026

One game turned grabbing the last slice of cake into a pistol duel of who could press the button at exactly the right time. —Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 11 June 2026

Police sources said the victim had confronted the gunman about speaking too loudly on a phone, when the male teen pulled a pistol and shot him. —Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 8 June 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"