firearm

[ fahyuhr-ahrm ]

noun

1. a small arms arm weapon, as a rifle or pistol, from which a projectile is fired by gunpowder.

firearm

/ ˈfaɪərˌɑːm /

noun

1. a weapon, esp a portable gun or pistol, from which a projectile can be discharged by an explosion caused by igniting gunpowder, etc

Other Words From

• firearmed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of firearm¹

First recorded in 1640–50; fire + arm ²

Example Sentences

As national security minister, he has given out free firearms to hundreds of settlers and has encouraged them to assert their right to what - they say - is their "God-given" land.

From BBC

In March 2021, a federal grand jury indicted Gaulden, accusing the musician of possessing an unregistered firearm and “possession of firearms by a convicted felon” in connection to a 2020 case.

From Los Angeles Times

He also faces a suspended sentence of 180 days in jail if he violates the terms of the deal and is barred from owning a firearm for the rest of his life.

From Los Angeles Times

One person was taken into custody, and a firearm was recovered on the ground nearby, according to Larsen.

From Los Angeles Times

According to a criminal complaint, the deputy falsely stated that Zelocchi’s number was tied to a suspect in a firearms investigation.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• handgun
• musket
• pistol
• revolver
• rifle
• shotgun
• weapon