handgun

/ˈhæn(d)ˌgʌn/
/ˈhændgən/
IPA guide

Other forms: handguns

Definitions of handgun
  1. noun
    a firearm that is held and fired with one hand
    synonyms: pistol, shooting iron, side arm
    see moresee less
    types:
    show 13 types...
    hide 13 types...
    automatic, automatic pistol
    a pistol that will keep firing until the ammunition is gone or the trigger is released
    derringer
    a pocket pistol of large caliber with a short barrel
    forty-five
    a .45-caliber pistol
    gat, rod
    a gangster's pistol
    horse pistol, horse-pistol
    a large pistol (usually in a holster) formerly carried by horsemen
    peacekeeper
    the pistol of a law officer in the old West
    revolver, six-gun, six-shooter
    a pistol with a revolving cylinder (usually having six chambers for bullets)
    Saturday night special
    a cheap handgun that is easily obtained
    semiautomatic, semiautomatic pistol
    a pistol that is a semiautomatic firearm capable of loading and firing continuously
    Verey pistol, Very pistol
    a pistol for firing Very-light flares
    zip gun
    a crude homemade pistol
    Colt
    a kind of revolver
    Luger
    a German semiautomatic pistol
    type of:
    firearm, piece, small-arm
    a portable gun
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘handgun'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of gold-punch.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family