firearm

American  

[fahyuhr-ahrm] / ˈfaɪərˌɑrm /

noun

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

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firearm British  

/ ˈfaɪərˌɑːm /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• firearmed adjective

Etymology

Origin of firearm

First recorded in 1640–50; fire + arm ²

Example Sentences

He said his friend had become interested in guns in recent years and was excited that he’d recently gotten the necessary paperwork under state law by obtaining a firearm safety certificate.

From Los Angeles Times

For most gun owners, carrying a firearm openly is a social and logistical headache.

From Los Angeles Times

A prospective soldier needed to bring his own weapon to join the military, a clever means of nationalizing Somaliland’s supply of loose guns while saving the government the cost and hassle of purchasing firearms.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the lead up to the event, Premier Chris Minns had warned that some people may find the sight "confronting", with police "carrying firearms and weapons that you haven't seen before".

From BBC

In Rehman's case, while there was no suggestion he was a firearms risk, the race was on to bring him in to face justice before he fled overseas.

From BBC

Related Words

• handgun
• musket
• pistol
• revolver
• rifle
• shotgun
• weapon