noun Uncommon

handgun

HAND-guhn

Handgun (noun) means a firearm small enough to be held and fired with one hand, such as a pistol or revolver. Example: “The store sells hunting rifles but not handguns.”

noun

A firearm small enough to be held and fired with one hand, such as a pistol or revolver.

"The store sells hunting rifles but not handguns."

Word Forms

handguns plural

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The store sells hunting rifles but not _____.

Etymology

A compound of hand and gun, describing a firearm designed for one-handed use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “handgun” mean?

The word “handgun” means a firearm small enough to be held and fired with one hand, such as a pistol or revolver.

How do you pronounce “handgun”?

“Handgun” is pronounced HAND-guhn (/ˈhændˌɡʌn/ in IPA).

How do you use “handgun” in a sentence?

Here is “handgun” used in a sentence: “The store sells hunting rifles but not handguns.”

What part of speech is “handgun”?

“Handgun” is a noun.

Is “handgun” a common word?

“Handgun” is an uncommon word in modern English.