firearm

noun

fire·​arm ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌärm How to pronounce firearm (audio)
: a weapon from which a shot is discharged by gunpowder
usually used of small arms

Examples of firearm in a Sentence

revolvers, rifles, and other firearms will need a permit to carry a firearm
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Hirschfield was found guilty on two counts of first-degree murder and use of a firearm with an enhancement of use of a deadly weapon. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024 Jesse Linares: Charged with possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, transporting firearms interstate and false statement re-acquisition of firearms, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Hayleigh Colombo, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Dec. 2024 Mangione is scheduled for his next court appearance Thursday morning for a preliminary hearing on firearms charges in Pennsylvania. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 17 Dec. 2024 Additionally, firearms were the leading cause of death among children in both 2020 and 2021, per data from KFF, a nonprofit that provides research about health care issues. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for firearm 

Word History

First Known Use

1643, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of firearm was in 1643

Dictionary Entries Near firearm

Cite this Entry

“Firearm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firearm. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

firearm

noun
fire·​arm ˈfī(ə)r-ˌärm How to pronounce firearm (audio)
: a weapon from which a shot is discharged by gunpowder
usually used only of small arms

More from Merriam-Webster on firearm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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