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

Jonas returns to Indian cinema with a splash with Rajamouli’s film, portraying the enigmatic Mandakini’ in a first look that sees her in a mustard saree, pistol in hand, balanced on a cliff edge. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Nov. 2025

From intricate Nudie suits and a storied pistol to leatherbound songbooks and dozens of intimate notes from the likes of Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn, most of the items had never been seen by the public. —Laura L. Davis, Nashville Tennessean, 10 Nov. 2025

The gun in Bond’s hand was a Pistolet Samozaryadny Malogabaritny, a compact self-loading pistol. —Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025

The episode ends with Nina popping pills and making certain her pistol’s handy. —Noel Murray, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2025

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"