firearm

[fahyuhr-ahrm]

noun

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

firearm

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• firearmed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of firearm¹

First recorded in 1640–50; fire + arm ²

Example Sentences

He was also convicted of attempted murder and a federal firearms charge, and had been sentenced to life imprisonment, according to the Atlanta Police Department.

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The charge against them which they deny alleges they "arranged for the purchase and delivery of firearms, conducted reconnaissance and made plans of attack".

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Prosecutors have acknowledged she had a licensed firearm in her car but never brandished it.

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He also featured a video showing Mr Khan with a firearm and asked if it "was the kind of man we wanted in the UK?"

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‘They left people’s doors open, firearms, money, whatever, right there in the open.’

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Related Words

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