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noun Uncommon

handgun

HAND-guhn
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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
1
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."
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Word forms

Plural
handguns
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The store sells hunting rifles but not _____.

Etymology

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

pistol side arm shooting iron

Related words

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.

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