handgun

noun

hand·​gun ˈhan(d)-ˌgən How to pronounce handgun (audio)
: a firearm (such as a revolver or pistol) designed to be held and fired with one hand

Examples of handgun in a Sentence

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.
The caller, police said, had told dispatchers a man armed with a handgun was forcing his way into the home. Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024 Walker, who believed that intruders were entering the home, fired one shot from a handgun, striking one officer. Russell Contreras, Axios, 2 Nov. 2024 The request is being made less than a month after Hatch pleaded guilty to felony official misconduct and misdemeanor charges of unlawful carrying of a handgun and disorderly conduct. Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 1 Nov. 2024 According to the bail motion filed by the D.A.’s office, Young bumped the other car with his vehicle twice, then brandished a handgun in the other person’s direction. James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for handgun 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of handgun was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near handgun

Cite this Entry

“Handgun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handgun. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

handgun

noun
hand·​gun ˈhan(d)-ˌgən How to pronounce handgun (audio)
: a firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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