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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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec, who won a silver medal in the mixed team 10m air pistol event, has been arguably the most popular character in Paris.

From BBC • Aug. 11, 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

Still, as she held the air pistol in her hand, lighter than she had imagined, it felt sleek, cool and somewhat stress-relieving.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2022

A 19-year-old Indian shooter, who had been pegged for a possible medal in the air pistol, admitted that the burden to win distracted her in a sport where concentration is paramount.

From New York Times • Aug. 4, 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

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