small arm

noun

: a handheld firearm (such as a handgun or shoulder arm)
usually used in plural

Examples of small arm in a Sentence

the soldiers keep their small arms securely in their holsters when not on patrol
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
And here is a group of guerrillas who, with the help of Iran but fighting with small arms and so on, was able to achieve that. Peter Balonon-Rosen, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 With this minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon uses a computer with special controls that guide the robot's small arms, which have a camera and special instruments attached to them. Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 2024 The 155 mm rounds are just one of the scores of ammunition, missile, air defense and advanced weapons systems the U.S. has provided Ukraine — everything from small arms bullets to advanced F-16 fighter jets. CBS News, 21 Sep. 2024 White River Energetics plans to add 100 new jobs -- nearly doubling its employment -- as part of a nearly $70 million investment to expand small arms manufacturing near Des Arc, the company announced Friday. Andrew Moreau, arkansasonline.com, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for small arm 

Word History

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of small arm was in 1674

Dictionary Entries Near small arm

Cite this Entry

“Small arm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small%20arm. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

small arm

noun
: a firearm fired while held in the hands
usually used in plural

More from Merriam-Webster on small arm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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