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

Battle with swords, pistols, anchors, or guitars, tow your haul between islands, and craft tools on the fly. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 Nov. 2026

Expecting the boys to return, Young took a pistol from his safe and waited in bushes outside his home. — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 10 Nov. 2026

Hensel, a former property manager, then went into his home, retrieved a pistol and walked into the street waiting for Williams to return before opening fire. — Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2026

Macias fired the first shot at Sweet with a 9mm pistol because Macias said that Sweet ran over Macias’ foot, Burnette told the detectives. — Emerson Clarridge updated November 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Nov. 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"