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 group also facilitated and supplied firearms including AK‑47s, an Uzi, Tec‑9s, a Scorpion, a Grand Power pistol, silencers and ammunition, police said. —Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026

Sheriff’s officials said the man was unresponsive and holding a pistol in his right hand. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Pretti was carrying a pistol in a waist-level holster and was disarmed by federal agents before being shot multiple times. —Rachel Scott, ABC News, 28 Jan. 2026

Come on, the gunman growled, turning and walking and beckoning with the pistol for Adi to follow. —Jonathan Miles, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 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"