noun

holster

HOLS-tuh

Holster (noun) means a holder, typically worn on a belt, for carrying a handgun. Example: “The officer kept his weapon in a holster at his hip.”

noun

A holder, typically worn on a belt, for carrying a handgun.

"The officer kept his weapon in a holster at his hip."

verb

To put a weapon into its holster.

"He holstered his gun once the danger had passed."

How to use holster

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA carrying case for a handgun, usually worn on a belt.

Common pairings

draw from the holster holster a weapon

Word forms

holstered past tense, holsters plural, holsters singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “holster” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The officer kept his weapon in a _____ at his hip.

Etymology

From Dutch holster, ultimately from an old Germanic root meaning "covering" or "case."

Origin: Germanic

Rhymes for holster

bolster

See all rhymes for holster →

Frequently asked questions

What does “holster” mean?

The word “holster” means a holder, typically worn on a belt, for carrying a handgun. In plain terms, a carrying case for a handgun, usually worn on a belt.

How do you pronounce “holster”?

“Holster” is pronounced HOLS-tuh (/ˈhɒlstə(ɹ)/ in IPA).

How do you use “holster” in a sentence?

Here is “holster” used in a sentence: “The officer kept his weapon in a holster at his hip.”

What part of speech is “holster”?

Depending on how it is used, “holster” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “holster” come from?

The word “holster” comes from Germanic. From Dutch holster, ultimately from an old Germanic root meaning "covering" or "case.".

How many meanings does “holster” have?

“Holster” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a holder, typically worn on a belt, for carrying a handgun.

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include holster:

Words with germanic origins