small arm

noun

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

Example Sentences

the soldiers keep their small arms securely in their holsters when not on patrol
Recent Examples on the Web Even in this case, where small arms fire is a major threat, the suits would offer barely more than minimal protection. Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2023 To be fair, even light armor has value protecting soldiers against shrapnel and small arms fire while transiting to the frontline. Sébastien Roblin, Popular Mechanics, 1 Mar. 2023 Many Chinese weapons, ranging from small arms to jet fighters and even aircraft carriers, are based on Soviet-era designs. Alastair Gale, WSJ, 1 Mar. 2023 The star was promoting the RHOBH's trip to Aspenand cheekily rested her chin on your hands with her two small arm tattoos in full view. Tracey Harrington Mccoy, Peoplemag, 5 Oct. 2022 Once the rover team has completed its cache and NASA has approved the plan, a small arm under the rover will begin to discharge the sample tubes. Byeric Hand, science.org, 20 Sep. 2022 The earbuds themselves feature a sloped oval design, with a small arm that extends into the ear. Maren Estrada, BGR, 6 Sep. 2021 The creative brain trust of the company has always had a special reverence for this comparatively small arm of its business. WSJ, 26 Aug. 2021 The earbuds themselves are small and circular, with a small arm that protrudes into your ears. Christian De Looper, BGR, 20 July 2021 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'small arm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near small arm

Cite this Entry

“Small arm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small%20arm. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Which Came First?

  • baby chick with a brown egg
  • hot take or cold shoulder?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY