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

Kenya Chapman sold a Glock pistol to Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, the gunman, for $100 this week, after stealing it from a vehicle in Newport News one year ago, according to a federal complaint. —Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026

The statement about the gun was technically true—most modern pistols are—but misleading. —Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2026

Prescott said police body camera video clearly show Best with a pistol in his hand. —Dave Collins, Hartford Courant, 12 Mar. 2026

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, Kim Jong Un tries out a new pistol at a munitions factory in North Korea Wednesday, March 11, 2026. —CBS News, 12 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"