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
Two months later, the group launched more than two dozen attacks across northeastern Syria, relying on a combination of guerrilla tactics, including small arms fire, ambushes, assassinations, and improvised explosive devices targeting military checkpoints and government vehicles.
—
Caroline Rose, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2025
Batons, sticks, pipes, and small arms are among their favorite weapons.
—Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for small arm
Caroline Rose, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2025
Batons, sticks, pipes, and small arms are among their favorite weapons.
—Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for small arm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small arm
Noun
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Biniazan emphasized Parker was aware of the possibility of a firearm on campus for about an hour and questioned whether her actions in that time were adequate.—
Chris Boyette,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
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Ali and Mahmoud were both legally able to purchase firearms, and investigators allegedly uncovered numerous purchases of guns and modifications through bank records and his browsing history, according to the complaint.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Wuornos pawned Carskaddon's gun, per court records reviewed by PEOPLE.—
Christina Coulter,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
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In a 2024 Rolling Stone profile, the country-rock singer repeatedlyfired off the N-word and brandished a gun.—
Kyle Denis,
Billboard,
29 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Small arm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small%20arm. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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