handgun

[ hand-guhn ]

noun

1. any firearm that can be held and fired with one hand; a revolver or a pistol.

handgun

/ ˈhændˌɡʌn /

noun

1. a firearm that can be held, carried, and fired with one hand, such as a pistol

Word History and Origins

Origin of handgun¹

First recorded in 1400–50, handgun is from the late Middle English word handgone. See hand, gun ¹

Example Sentences

Then, the robbers would suddenly turn on their victims, brandishing a handgun, threatening them with physical force and demanding they get in the car, police said.

From Los Angeles Times

As the robbers returned to their car, one of them fired a 9mm handgun, according to prosecutors.

From Los Angeles Times

He was found with an arsenal of weaponry, including assault rifles, handguns and ammunition, according to a Berkeley Police Department media release.

From Los Angeles Times

A suspect then shot at the two victims using a semiautomatic handgun, Chavez said.

From Los Angeles Times

They wore masks and pointed handguns at his face, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cannon
• hardware
• mortar
• piece
• pistol
• revolver
• rifle
• shotgun