Meaning & Definition of word "Handgun"
Handgun
ˈhændˌɡʌn
noun:
- 1. A short firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand.
- Example: The officer drew his handgun when he spotted the suspect.
- 2. A type of firearm that is particularly easy to conceal, such as a revolver or pistol.
- Example: She decided to purchase a small handgun for personal protection.
- 3. A weapon that is often used in competitive shooting sports.
- Example: He practices regularly at the range to improve his skills with a handgun.
- 4. A firearm that is categorized separately from rifles and shotguns.
- Example: The law allows for the ownership of a handgun as long as it is registered.
- 5. A personal defense firearm that is usually semi-automatic.
- Example: Many people prefer a semi-automatic handgun for its ease of use in self-defense situations.
Etymology
●The term 'handgun' combines 'hand-' referring to the manual operation and '-gun' indicating a firearm.
Common Phrases and Expressions
having a handgun:
Possessing a handgun, usually in a legal context.
draw a handgun:
To quickly take out a handgun, often from a holster.
carry a handgun:
To have a handgun on one's person, typically for self-defense.
Related Words
pistol:
A type of handgun that typically has a single barrel and is semi-automatic or revolver-based.
revolver:
A type of handgun that has a revolving cylinder containing multiple chambers.
Slang Meanings of handgun
Meaning: piece
● Example Sentence: He pulled out his piece when he felt threatened.
Meaning: gat
● Example Sentence: You better watch out, he's got a gat in his waistband.