handgun

noun

hand·​gun ˈhan(d)-ˌgən How to pronounce handgun (audio)
Synonyms of handgunnext
: a firearm (such as a revolver or pistol) designed to be held and fired with one hand

Examples of handgun in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Six additional states require registration of some firearms, such as handguns or those defined as assault weapons, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 That’s roughly comparable to the muzzle energy of some powerful handgun rounds, although the physics of a hypervelocity impact are very different. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 Investigators said a gunman in a gold or brown pickup truck pulled alongside 65-year-old Singh and his friend, 78-year-old Atwal, on East Stockton Boulevard near Geneva Point Drive and opened fire with a semiautomatic handgun. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026 The couple had been arguing before Michael Taylor pulled out a handgun, according to initial investigations. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for handgun

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of handgun was in the 15th century

Rhymes for handgun

See All Rhymes for handgun

Browse Nearby Words

handguard
handgun
handhabend
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handgun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handgun. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

handgun

noun
hand·​gun ˈhan(d)-ˌgən How to pronounce handgun (audio)
: a firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand

More from Merriam-Webster on handgun

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for handgun

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about handgun

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