handgun

noun

Definition of handgunnext
as in pistol

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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 handgun Jeremiah Ross, 21, and Davontate Ashley, 20, allegedly used a handgun to steal property from a marketplace transaction and attempted a carjacking of a second victim, police said. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026 Ilin was found deceased in another room with a single gunshot wound and a handgun was located next to him, police said. — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 According to investigative summaries from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, surveillance footage captured the 29-year-old pacing on the sidewalk and monitoring the victims’ vehicle before pulling a handgun and shooting them. — Evonne Andris, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 Both people appeared to have died several days earlier, the department said, and a handgun was found next to the man. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for handgun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handgun
  1. pistol
  2. firearm
  3. revolver
  4. gun
  5. derringer
  6. sidearm
Noun
  • In 2021, thieves entered Goodland Guns’ former location by cutting a hole in the wall and stole five pistols, four shotguns, and two rifles, according to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • References to Bond sprinkled throughout the trailer include Cage ordering that signature cocktail and packing a familiar-looking pistol, plus a gag at the end playing off Bond’s 007 designation.
    — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of pistol
Noun
  • Officers also found several large shipping boxes containing precious metals, two unregistered firearms, and more than $105,000 in cash, according to the sheriff’s department.
    — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
  • We are introduced to Celeste at target practice with her impressive arsenal of firearms, which get suspiciously little play once the action finally arrives.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of firearm
Noun
  • His right hand, wrapped in a handkerchief and appearing as though injured, held a revolver.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • And the coolest part – its screwdriver bit holder looks like a mini revolver.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of revolver
Noun
  • Johnson went on to say his administration would continue efforts to curb gun violence and support those affected by shootings.
    — Hannah Hudnall, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The shooting comes toward the end of a summer that could still leave Chicago in position to match 2025’s rate of gun violence, which was the lowest seen in a decade.
    — Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of gun
Noun
  • 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
  • This victim’s vision seems weird and fraudulent when Priscilla casually color-coordinates derringer pistols with designer dresses.
    — Armond White, National Review, 3 Nov. 2023
Definition of derringer
Noun
  • Video released by Twin Falls police on Friday shows McClain in a white T-shirt vaulting over the counter once the shooting began, drawing his sidearm and returning fire.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The Indians scored their would-be final goal in the third on a shot from Emery Simmons on a sidearm shot past Bishops’ midfielder Izzy Grundig.
    — Zach McMahon, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026
Definition of sidearm

Browse Nearby Words

handgrips
handgun
handguns
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handgun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handgun. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on handgun

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about handgun

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