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 This mysterious derringer pistol has sparked more intrigue than any of his other dangerous finds because people want to know the back story. Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derringer
Noun
  • Gutierrez Reed was convicted of loading a live round into a revolver, which Baldwin fired, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Police said the caller identified the individual as Muse and said he was armed with a revolver.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Rather than leave, Waugh reportedly returned to his motel room and retrieved a homemade semi-automatic pistol.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Halim and Aziz, according to prosecutors, had quickly followed suit, shooting Malcolm X with pistols.
    Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Police responded Wednesday morning to a call from someone claiming to be outside Portage High School with a rifle and handgun, Portage Police said.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Lemon was taken to Central Booking and was charged with first-degree murder, assault and handgun violations, police said.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Who love the pop-cultured, Hollywood-ed image of the Texas Ranger: The cowboy wearing his Stetson, firing six-shooters at bad guys — usually Native Americans.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026
  • In the latest Texas gold fight, though, six-shooters, stagecoaches and dusty trails have been replaced by legal briefs and courtrooms. FROM 2016: New law calls for bringing Texas gold home.
    Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • And a sidearm lefty against [Smith] isn’t ideal either.
    Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Each had a sidearm clasped in both hands.
    Scott Eden, Rolling Stone, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Harris did not end up buying the firearm, but, six days later, a gun of the same calibre was used to kill Garrison.
    Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Spanberger signed a series of gun control bills on Friday, including legislation regulating firearm manufacturers’ liability, ghost guns, and partners of individuals charged with misdemeanor domestic violence.
    Amy DeLaura, The Washington Examiner, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • An emotional reunion for a suburban family who lost a loved one to gun violence.
    Jermont Terry, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Before his death, Mikhail had told sheriff’s deputies that he had been jumped in September by eight gun-wielding individuals, including Elijah, at the YMCA basketball courts near Oak Ridge High School.
    Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Derringer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derringer. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on derringer

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster