firearm

American  

[fahyuhr-ahrm] / ˈfaɪərˌɑrm /

noun

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

---

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

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• firearmed
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of firearm

First recorded in 1640–50; fire + arm ²

Example Sentences

Zimmerman, who also works as co-director of the Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention, and principal investigator and director of the Michigan Youth Violence Prevention Center, points to the “broken windows” and “busy streets” theories.

From National Geographic • Dec. 14, 2023

Currently, the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners' Conclusion Scale asks forensic firearms experts whether the crime-scene casings and casings from the suspect's gun are from the same source.

From Science Daily • Oct. 2, 2023

Firearm incidents are the top cause of death for US children and teenagers, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2023

Last week at Arcadia Firearm & Safety, owner David Liu chatted up a chiropractor looking to buy a handgun.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2023

The Government gave each of them a Slouch Hat and a prehistoric Firearm.

From Fables in Slang by Newman, Clyde J.

Related Words

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