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

Thomas Waring, then 20, was in the dock alongside gunman Connor Chapman and was convicted of assisting an offender and possession of a firearm in July 2023.

From BBC

On July 11, 1996, Tinney was sentenced to a concurrent term of two years in prison for the crime of felon or addict in possession of a firearm.

From Los Angeles Times

Jeffrey Darren Hue, was arrested Thursday at a private residence in San Francisco on suspicion of more than a dozen charges, including assault on a person with a firearm and discharging a firearm in a negligent manner.

From Los Angeles Times

Nazir was found guilty of conspiracy to murder and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

From BBC

He had a string of criminal convictions including one for possession of an imitation firearm, and another for possessing a knife.

From BBC

Related Words

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