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

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

The gunman, described as a man in his 50s, pulled out a handgun and shot at the victim and then drove away, police said.

From Los Angeles Times

Cimarron Thomas was 12 years old in 2018 when she used her father's handgun to kill herself.

From BBC

Related Words

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