small arm

noun

: a handheld firearm (such as a handgun or shoulder arm)
usually used in plural

Examples of small arm in a Sentence

the soldiers keep their small arms securely in their holsters when not on patrol
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Three Indian army officials said that Pakistani soldiers used small arms to fire at an Indian position in Kashmir late Thursday. Time, 25 Apr. 2025 Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday announced the closure of a small arm within the State Department aimed at countering foreign disinformation campaigns, which Republicans increasingly criticized as silencing conservative voices online. Laura Kelly, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2025 These insights came from the Office of Net Assessment, a small arm of the Department of Defense that has, through its independent analyses, for decades played a vital role in informing senior Pentagon leaders’ strategic planning and policy priorities. Andrew F. Krepinevich, Foreign Affairs, 2 Apr. 2025 Another pair of small arms — possibly belonging to Prince Archie — can be seen off to the side, holding a piece of cake. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for small arm

Word History

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of small arm was in 1674

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Small arm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small%20arm. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

small arm

noun
: a firearm fired while held in the hands
usually used in plural

More from Merriam-Webster on small arm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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