handgun
3 synonyms for handgun, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A firearm small enough to be held and fired with one hand, such as a pistol or revolver.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
side arm
shooting iron
Etymology
A compound of hand and gun, describing a firearm designed for one-handed use.
Full origin of handgun →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.
