air pistol

American  

noun

1. a pistol that utilizes compressed air rather than ignited gunpowder to propel a single shot, often a pellet.

---

Etymology

Origin of air pistol

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

air pistol

The court was told the Royal Mail intercepted an air pistol addressed to Ms Klass before it reached her.

From BBC ● Mar. 19, 2026

They said they caught him carrying a paintball mask — and the gun turned out to be the kind of air pistol you use for paintball.

From Washington Post ● Jan. 5, 2023

“Shooting in general in the U.S. has a negative connotation,” said James Hall, 37, who competed in the 10-meter air pistol team and individual events in Tokyo.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 1, 2021

The strains of that temporary anthem were first heard on Sunday when Vitalina Batsarashkina stepped onto the podium after winning the R.O.C.’s first gold medal, in the women’s 10-meter air pistol event.

From New York Times ● Jul. 26, 2021

They are now specifically known by the name of the purpose to which they are applied, as air ship, ventilator, air brake, fan blower, air pistol, air spring, etc.

From Inventions in the Century by Doolittle, William Henry