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 body cameras did not actually record him producing the semi-automatic pistol, which was later recovered in the vehicle. — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 17 July 2026

According to a criminal complaint, police recovered two semiautomatic pistols and a Bushmaster AR-15 rifle from Foster’s home. — Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

Prime Video’s upcoming live-action refresh puts Game of Thrones alum Sophie Turner behind Croft’s signature dual pistols in a series that will also boast the onscreen talents of Sigourney Weaver and Jason Isaacs, among others. — Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026

He was charged with carrying a pistol without a license or a permit. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 13 July 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"