air pistol

American  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of air pistol

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

After arresting the owners, officers also searched their vehicle, where they found an air pistol - possession of which requires a licence and supervision for under 18s - a police scanner, and more cash.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

Nonchalant as can be, he ended up nabbing silver in the mixed team 10-meter air pistol event, earning the country its first-ever medal in shooting.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 6, 2024

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

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