handgun

noun

hand·​gun ˈhan(d)-ˌgən How to pronounce handgun (audio)
Synonyms of handgunnext
: a firearm (such as a revolver or pistol) designed to be held and fired with one hand

Examples of handgun in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In May, Kinley, of Valparaiso, entered a guilty plea to charges of murder with an enhancement, criminal recklessness and carrying a handgun. — Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2026 The video showed the suspects entering the smoke shop and brandishing handguns. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Witness statements and video surveillance showed Lindo drawing a black handgun during an argument involving several individuals, including a professional UFC fighter. — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Officer Christopher Savage later found a Kimber XPro handgun in the front passenger seat storage area. — Steven Mross, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for handgun

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of handgun was in the 15th century

Rhymes for handgun

See All Rhymes for handgun

Browse Nearby Words

handguard
handgun
handhabend
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handgun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handgun. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

handgun

noun
hand·​gun ˈhan(d)-ˌgən How to pronounce handgun (audio)
: a firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand

More from Merriam-Webster on handgun

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for handgun

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about handgun

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