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 pistol still had 12 rounds in the magazine, prosecutors said. — Barry Williams, New York Daily News, 21 Aug. 2026

Here, from the pistol, Mestemaker comfortably uses his legs and hits the sail route for a chunk gain. — Dane Brugler, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

On March 9, 2024, Barnett was found dead in his truck from a single gunshot wound to the head, with his pistol in his hand and a suicide note on the passenger seat. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026

Moments later, Martinez-Nolasco made a full sprint toward the deputies, and Rios, carrying a rifle, and Ulrich, holding a pistol, both opened fire. — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 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"