handgun

[hand-guhn]

noun

1. any firearm that can be held and fired with one hand; a revolver or a pistol.

handgun

/ ˈhændˌɡʌn /

noun

1. a firearm that can be held, carried, and fired with one hand, such as a pistol

Word History and Origins

Origin of handgun¹

First recorded in 1400–50, handgun is from the late Middle English word handgone. See hand, gun ¹

Example Sentences

The teen had a handgun with him and shot himself in the leg before he was found, authorities said.

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According to ICE, Roberts was carrying a loaded handgun, a fixed-blade knife, and $3,000 in cash at the time of his arrest.

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ICE said in a statement that he was found "in possession of a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash and a fixed blade hunting knife".

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But officers arrived and found her standing in her backyard armed with a handgun.

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Surveillance footage obtained by ABC News showed suspects using crowbars to break glass and pilfer an estimated $1 million in loot, while others entered the store with handguns.

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Related Words

• cannon 
• hardware 
• mortar 
• piece 
• pistol 
• revolver 
• rifle 
• shotgun