Pistol

/ˈpɪstəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A small firearm designed to be held in one hand.

The detective drew his pistol when he heard suspicious noises in the alley.

A type of air gun or other mechanism that fires a projectile.

The kids played with toy pistols in the backyard, pretending to be cowboys.

In certain contexts, a pistol can refer to a specific type of race, like a pistol shooting event.

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.

Gat

He pulled out his gat when things got heated.

Roscoe

Don't bring your roscoe to the party.

Piece

He's got a piece tucked in his waistband.