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

Cuban officials say the speedboat, registered in the United States, was carrying firearms of various calibers, including 14 rifles, 11 pistols and nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition. —CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026

Authorities say the gunman initiated the attack from a black Cadillac SUV, traveling south on Rio Grande Street before pulling alongside the bar and firing a pistol into a crowd gathered outside and on the patio. —Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026

Finally, the officer drew his duty pistol and shot the man in the leg, authorities said. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026

Authorities said Diagne used both a pistol and a rifle during the attack. —Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 3 Mar. 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"