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.
The book says that Davis obtained a handgun from an associate and tossed it into the back seat of the Cadillac but did not say who fired the fatal shots. — Jessica Hill, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 The covert officer exited his vehicle with his handgun drawn and moved toward a nearby residential yard. — Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026 Authorities said the handgun recovered at the scene was loaded and functional. — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2026 They were reportedly found to contain six handguns, Glock slides, trigger assemblies, sight assemblies, rifle magazines, pistol magazines, AM15 rifle parts, a suppressor kit, ammunition and other firearm parts, officials said. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 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 12 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of handgun for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about handgun

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