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.
At one point, CNN also heard bursts of small arms fire in the distance. Jeremy Diamond and Mike Schwartz, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024 And here is a group of guerrillas who, with the help of Iran but fighting with small arms and so on, was able to achieve that. Peter Balonon-Rosen, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 With this minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon uses a computer with special controls that guide the robot's small arms, which have a camera and special instruments attached to them. Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 2024 The 155 mm rounds are just one of the scores of ammunition, missile, air defense and advanced weapons systems the U.S. has provided Ukraine — everything from small arms bullets to advanced F-16 fighter jets. CBS News, 21 Sep. 2024 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

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 14 Dec. 2024.

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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