derringer

Definition of derringernext

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of derringer One hundred and fifty-nine years ago, a 26-year-old white supremacist and Confederate sympathizer named John Wilkes Booth pointed a .44 caliber derringer pistol at the back of Abraham Lincoln’s head and squeezed the trigger. Brian Matthew Jordan, National Review, 14 Apr. 2024 In 1976, after wrecking his Rolls-Royce in a drunk-driving accident, he was arrested, intoxicated, with a loaded derringer on the grounds of Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate. Chris Morris, Variety, 28 Oct. 2022 Police found a silver derringer-style gun in his backpack at the time of his arrest. oregonlive, 21 June 2022 There's also a replica of the derringer pistol John Wilkes Booth used to assassinate Lincoln. Ariana Garcia, Chron, 13 May 2022 Wagrowski also testified that police found two guns -- a .22-caliber Kel-tec and a small derringer -- at the Crumbley home, aside from the one allegedly used in the shooting. Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 8 Feb. 2022 Police arrested a Sandusky man, 29, who was carrying a Ruger .45 caliber pistol with three magazines containing 22 rounds, along with a loaded High Standard derringer. Thomas Jewell, cleveland, 23 Jan. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derringer
Noun
  • News accounts said the officer had to draw his revolver and wave it at the crowd to keep them from attacking the man.
    Equal Justice Initiative, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
  • After the fight, Meza grabbed a revolver from his car and shot Christina.
    Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Investigators also found eight 9 mm casings fired from a Glock pistol at the scene where Holmes was killed, according to the affidavit.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026
  • At issue is whether the police search of Mangione's backpack was legal as officers went on to find a pistol, silencer and notebook inside.
    Christina Fan, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Police say Weis fired his handgun toward Fishers Police Department officers.
    Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The mother of the boy who shot Zwerner, Deja Taylor, previously pleaded guilty to state charges of felony child neglect and federal marijuana possession while owning a handgun.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Its big selling feature is a revolver-like cylinder that spins and snicks along on precision bearings, just like the cylinder of a six-shooter.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 June 2025
  • Richard’s odds are lousier than Reacher’s were when Beck forced Reacher to play because this revolver is a five-shot model instead of a six-shooter.
    Chris Klimek, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Mahomes appeared to be toying with the Commanders defense on the third of those drives, wheeling for no-look sidearm passes and dancing around the pocket to move defenders while playing the world’s highest form of backyard football.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The arm of prospect Patrick Mahomes popped off the film, through a deep shot that traveled 60 yards in the air or what seemed like an effortless sidearm flick.
    Sam McDowell October 17, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The employee is authorized to carry a firearm, but is not a member of the Lawrence Police Department.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Officers allegedly found about 525 shell casings and 13 firearms.
    Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Police added that Lattimore was arrested for not telling the officer there was a gun inside the vehicle when asked.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Ross, who was one of several federal agents involved in the arrest, initially drew his service weapon, but holstered the gun after Muñoz-Guatemala stopped his car and raised his hands, according to the affidavit.
    Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Derringer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derringer. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

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