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

The search of the backpack turned up a pistol, silencer, and notebook. —Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025

As the scuffle escalated, Banegas took out a Glock pistol and pulled the trigger, which Zaccor said was evidence of premeditation. —Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 15 Dec. 2025

Stallings then allegedly pulled out a 9mm pistol and began firing. —Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 12 Dec. 2025

When Williams suggested that his intentions fell short of lethality, Smith pulled out a blue plastic pistol for a demonstration. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 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"