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 indictment describes two pistols, a rifle and a shotgun found in Roberts’ possession. —Hannah Fingerhut, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026

When the detective exited his side, authorities say the man charged at him with the jack in hand, and the detective drew his pistol and shot the man. —Rich Hurd, Sacbee.com, 22 Jan. 2026

The detective drew his pistol and shot the man, authorities said. —Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026

The pistol used in the shooting was found next to the man’s body, as well as his Port Authority ID, police sources said. —Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 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"