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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Prosecutors alleged several special circumstances in the case, including premeditation, commission of multiple murders, murder with a firearm and murder to prevent testimony.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
29 Sep. 2025
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That will allow the lab to add firearms and toolmark identification as well as print analysis to their services.—
Kirsten Fiscus,
Nashville Tennessean,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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He was charged with a gun crime in connection with an anti-KKK riot in Durham, North Carolina.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
1 Oct. 2025
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According to the complaint, Cullen matched the description of the person firing the gun, and he was taken into custody.—
Bridget Fogarty,
jsonline.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Small arm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small%20arm. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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