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
Iraq had plenty of small arms and ammunition, which could kill Americans but would often plink harmlessly off their armored vehicles.
—
Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
According to a May 2025 report from the German government, this aid includes equipment and weapons such as air defense systems, combat vehicles, artillery systems, armored transport vehicles, small arms, and ammunition, as well as other types of support, including medical supplies and clothing.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
In total, 43 people were killed and more than 300,000 displaced by a five-day conflict that started with small arms fire and quickly escalated into heavy artillery and rocket fire, then Thailand’s deployment hours later of an F-16 fighter jet for airstrikes.
—CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2025
Cambodian troops recorded themselves shooting down one such quadcopter drone with small arms fire.
—Sebastien Roblin, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for small arm
Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
According to a May 2025 report from the German government, this aid includes equipment and weapons such as air defense systems, combat vehicles, artillery systems, armored transport vehicles, small arms, and ammunition, as well as other types of support, including medical supplies and clothing.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
In total, 43 people were killed and more than 300,000 displaced by a five-day conflict that started with small arms fire and quickly escalated into heavy artillery and rocket fire, then Thailand’s deployment hours later of an F-16 fighter jet for airstrikes.
—CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2025
Cambodian troops recorded themselves shooting down one such quadcopter drone with small arms fire.
—Sebastien Roblin, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for small arm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small arm
Noun
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Police said Bean was charged with two counts of first-degree reckless endangerment, two counts of third-degree criminal mischief, first-degree assault, unlawful discharge of a firearm and second-degree breach of peace.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
22 Sep. 2025
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During the chase, the man was seen pointing a firearm at the officer, but the weapon malfunctioned, according to court documents.—
Noe Padilla,
IndyStar,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Experts who spoke to ABC News also pointed to other factors behind a rise in political violence, such as hostile rhetoric put forward by public figures and access to guns.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
25 Sep. 2025
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Then at another point, Vincuillo got out his handgun and put the barrel of the gun touching her forehead, police said.—
Helena Wegner,
Sacbee.com,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Small arm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small%20arm. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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