as in firearm
a portable weapon from which a shot is discharged by gunpowder
the soldiers keep their small arms securely in their holsters when not on patrol
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of small arm
There are several videos of soldiers ineffectually firing small arms at incoming drones, and more of them just watching as drone after drone sails overhead and crashes into a target.
—
David Hambling, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
The United States has provided more than three billion dollars’ worth of assistance, including equipment such as Humvees, grenade launchers, small arms, night-vision goggles, and body armor.
—Rania Abouzeid, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Other buyers in Asia such as Bangladesh and Myanmar have acquired armored vehicles, trainer aircraft, and small arms.
—Amir Daftari
john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
In contrast, Ukraine, engaged in a war with Russia, received 40,000 small arms from the United States between January 2020 and April 2024 – an average of 9,000 per year.
—Sean Campbell, The Conversation, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for small arm
David Hambling, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
The United States has provided more than three billion dollars’ worth of assistance, including equipment such as Humvees, grenade launchers, small arms, night-vision goggles, and body armor.
—Rania Abouzeid, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Other buyers in Asia such as Bangladesh and Myanmar have acquired armored vehicles, trainer aircraft, and small arms.
—Amir Daftari
john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
In contrast, Ukraine, engaged in a war with Russia, received 40,000 small arms from the United States between January 2020 and April 2024 – an average of 9,000 per year.
—Sean Campbell, The Conversation, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for small arm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small arm
Noun
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Carrying personal firearms on base is typically prohibited by military regulations.—
Dakin Andone,
CNN Money,
7 Aug. 2025
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Sources said in that incident — during which a store owner reportedly was bound with duct tape and held at gunpoint — two firearms were stolen.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Hunters may use all archery equipment, muzzle-loading guns, shotguns, centerfire rifles, revolvers and pistols and pre-charge pneumatic air guns to harvest bears.—
Jennifer Borresen,
USA Today,
13 Aug. 2025
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During the level two thrill ride, guests must use a Boo Blaster laser gun to zap Boocifer and other targets to accumulate points, the site adds.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
The Enquirer,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Small arm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small%20arm. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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