firearm

American  

[fahyuhr-ahrm] / ˈfaɪərˌɑrm /

noun

1. a small arms weapon, as a rifle or pistol, from which a projectile is fired by gunpowder.

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firearm British  

/ ˈfaɪərˌɑːm /

noun

1. a weapon, esp a portable gun or pistol, from which a projectile can be discharged by an explosion caused by igniting gunpowder, etc

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Other Word Forms

• firearmed
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of firearm

First recorded in 1640–50; fire + arm ²

Example Sentences

Police Scotland’s Firearm and Explosives Licensing team manage applications and renewals for firearm and air weapon licences.

From BBC • Nov. 29, 2024

Zimmerman, who also works as co-director of the Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention, and principal investigator and director of the Michigan Youth Violence Prevention Center, points to the “broken windows” and “busy streets” theories.

From National Geographic • Dec. 14, 2023

Currently, the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners' Conclusion Scale asks forensic firearms experts whether the crime-scene casings and casings from the suspect's gun are from the same source.

From Science Daily • Oct. 2, 2023

Last week at Arcadia Firearm & Safety, owner David Liu chatted up a chiropractor looking to buy a handgun.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2023

Firearm companies were formed of the commonest soldiers, and generally used for skirmishes before the commencement of regular fighting.

From A Fantasy of Far Japan Summer Dream Dialogues by Suyematsu, Baron Kencho

Related Words

• handgun
• musket
• pistol
• revolver
• rifle
• shotgun
• weapon