firearm

noun

fire·​arm ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌärm How to pronounce firearm (audio)
Synonyms of firearmnext
: a weapon from which a shot is discharged by gunpowder
—usually used of small arms

Synonyms of firearm

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Examples of firearm in a Sentence

revolvers, rifles, and other firearms will need a permit to carry a firearm
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.
Prosecutors have charged the 15-year-old with one count each of first-degree assault with a firearm enhancement and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. — Joe Kottke, NBC news, 31 July 2026 Police arrested Elijah and charged him with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony and discharge of a firearm inside of a dwelling. — Adam Kilgore, New York Times, 30 July 2026 The new charges against Joseph Henrichsen include two counts of assault with a deadly weapon against a federal employee, two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and one count of assault on a federal officer. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026 During a news conference on Thursday, Fort Worth Police Chief Eddie Garcia said Lindsey refused several verbal commands to exit the vehicle with his hands up and that's when Lindsey pulled out a firearm and put it in his mouth. — Briauna Brown, CBS News, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for firearm

Word History

First Known Use

1643, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of firearm was in 1643

Rhymes for firearm

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Browse Nearby Words

fire area
firearm
fire arrow
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Cite this Entry

“Firearm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firearm. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

firearm

noun
fire·​arm ˈfī(ə)r-ˌärm How to pronounce firearm (audio)
: a weapon from which a shot is discharged by gunpowder
—usually used only of small arms

More from Merriam-Webster on firearm

Nglish: Translation of firearm for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about firearm

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