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 gun used to kill Kayla, court records show, was Ames’ pistol. —Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 16 May 2026

Police also took a 9mm pistol, a shotgun, and a gambling accounting system. —Jeff A. Chamer may 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026

Because Eatherly was known to openly carry a pistol while berating people, the combination could constitute assault, Raybin said. —Travis Loller, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026

The father has since been charged with endangerment of a child by firearm access and carrying a pistol without a permit, CBS News reported. —Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 14 May 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"