Meaning & Definition of word "Pistol"

Pistol

/ˈpɪstəl/

1. A small firearm designed to be held in one hand.
- Example: The detective drew his pistol when he heard suspicious noises in the alley.
2. A type of air gun or other mechanism that fires a projectile.
- Example: The kids played with toy pistols in the backyard, pretending to be cowboys.
3. In certain contexts, a pistol can refer to a specific type of race, like a pistol shooting event.
- Example: She excelled in the pistol competition, earning a medal for her precision shooting.

The term comes from the Middle French 'pistole', which was a type of gun, named after the city of Pistoia, Italy.

pistol-whip:

To strike someone with a pistol.

pistol packing:

Carrying a loaded pistol.

pistol squawk:

A false alarm or warning.

revolver:

A type of handgun with a rotating cylinder.

firearm:

Any portable gun capable of firing a projectile.

handgun:

A firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand.

Meaning: Gat

Example Sentence: He pulled out his gat when things got heated.

Meaning: Roscoe

Example Sentence: Don't bring your roscoe to the party.

Meaning: Piece

Example Sentence: He's got a piece tucked in his waistband.