handguns

noun

plural of handgun
as in pistols

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of handguns There are still over 900 handguns that are available for purchase within California, according to the state's handgun roster. — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handguns
  1. pistols
  2. firearms
  3. guns
Noun
  • The lawsuit targets legislation that took effect Wednesday and bans the sale of pistols that can easily be converted to fully automatic weapons, or machine guns.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • The law goes after Glock-style pistols, which can be converted into fully-automatic machine guns.
    — Gavin J. Quinton, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of pistols
Noun
  • Teri handled higher-value finds and saw that potentially dangerous items – like firearms and knives – got to the local sheriff’s office.
    — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Many of the firearms are believed to have been stolen, and could be linked to crimes in the region, federal officials said.
    — Mark Price July 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 July 2026
Definition of firearms
Noun
  • But police say the ranger approaching the car would ultimately lead to a sprawling investigation involving drugs, guns, mysterious chemicals, a missing woman and local and federal investigators turning a Philadelphia home inside out.
    — Danny Freeman, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • State lawmakers said these rapid-fire guns are not needed for self-defense but can be a weapon of mass murder.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of guns

Browse Nearby Words

handgun
handguns
handhold
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Cite this Entry

“Handguns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handguns. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on handguns

Nglish: Translation of handguns for Spanish Speakers

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