noun
Common
pistol
PIHS-tuhl
Pistol (noun) means a small handgun designed to be fired with one hand. Example: “The museum has an antique pistol that once belonged to a ship's captain.”
noun
1
A small handgun designed to be fired with one hand.
"The museum has an antique pistol that once belonged to a ship's captain."
"At the start of the race, the official raised a starting pistol."
"The officer kept his pistol holstered while questioning the suspect."
verb
1
To shoot someone or something with a pistol.
"He was pistoled in a dispute outside the bar."
How to use pistol
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small handheld firearm.
Common pairings
draw a pistol
fire a pistol
pistol whip
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Word forms
- Plural
- pistols
- Third person singular
- pistols
- Past tense
- pistoled, pistolled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The museum has an antique _____ that once belonged to a ship's captain.
Etymology
Probably from Middle French pistole or pistolet ("small firearm or dagger"); the exact chain is uncertain, with theories tracing it either through German and Czech píšťala ("pipe, firearm") or from Italian pistolese, linked to the gunsmithing town of Pistoia.
Related words
Rhymes for pistol
See all rhymes for pistol →Frequently asked questions
What does “pistol” mean?
The word “pistol” means a small handgun designed to be fired with one hand. In plain terms, a small handheld firearm.
How do you pronounce “pistol”?
“Pistol” is pronounced PIHS-tuhl (/ˈpɪstəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “pistol” in a sentence?
Here is “pistol” used in a sentence: “The officer kept his pistol holstered while questioning the suspect.”
What part of speech is “pistol”?
Depending on how it is used, “pistol” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “pistol” come from?
The word “pistol” comes from Middle French.
Is “pistol” a common word?
“Pistol” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “pistol” have?
“Pistol” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small handgun designed to be fired with one hand.
What is the difference between a 'pistol' and a 'revolver'?
A pistol is a small handgun designed to be fired with one hand, and in modern usage it often refers to a semi-automatic model where the chamber is part of the barrel. A revolver is a type of handgun distinguished by a rotating cylinder that holds the rounds.
What is the difference between a 'pistol' and a 'handgun'?
'Handgun' is the general term for any firearm designed to be held and fired with the hands. A 'pistol' is one kind of handgun, so every pistol is a handgun, but not every handgun is called a pistol.
