firearm

[ fahyuh r-ahrm ]

/ ˈfaɪərˌɑrm /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR firearm ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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

Nearby words

Origin of firearm

First recorded in 1640–50; fire + arm²

Related formsfire·armed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for firearm

Grimes' allies are rallying behind her ability to handle a firearm.
Alison Lundergan Grimes’s New TV Ad Is One Big Gun Gaffe|Tim Mak|September 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
INTERACTIVE: Hover over markers for more from each range on their age and firearm restrictions for children.
Where Kids as Young as 5 Learn to Shoot Automatic Weapons|Brandy Zadrozny|September 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I spent a surreal evening watching all 85 episodes and gathered the best of the worst big ideas from the firearm luminaries.
Gun Training Could’ve Prevented Newtown and 7 More of the Craziest Ideas From NRA YouTube Stars|Brandy Zadrozny|July 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The other charges included aggravated assault, four counts of rape, and three counts of kidnapping and pointing a firearm.
Charged With Murder for a Miscarriage in Oklahoma|Michael Daly|June 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST

It also makes the lawful carry of a firearm difficult during warmer months in Texas.
A Gun Owner Speaks: My Case for Open Carry|CJ Grisham|June 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
After this battle we captured some damaged machine-guns; this was the firearm most dreaded by us.
Human Bullets|Tadayoshi Sakurai
Then he turned sharply and wrenched Jean's firearm from the count's hands.
The Isle of Unrest|Henry Seton Merriman
"I will," answered Phil, and riding still closer he swung his firearm around for action.
Dave Porter at Star Ranch|Edward Stratemeyer
With the firearm he struck the beast in the jaws, and then ended the struggle by a knife-thrust straight into the heart.
American Boy's Life of Theodore Roosevelt|Edward Stratemeyer
He almost looked into the muzzle of the firearm, and felt the ring of its cold iron on his forehead.
The Mesmerist's Victim|Alexandre Dumas

British Dictionary definitions for firearm

firearm

/ (ˈfaɪərˌɑːm) /

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for firearm