firearm

American  

[fahyuhr-ahrm] / ˈfaɪərˌɑrm /

noun

1. a small arms 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

The Chinese require a formal diplomatic note, submitted well in advance, for every firearm and walkie-talkie the U.S. wishes to bring in.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

Atty. for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro says the suspect is being charged with two counts of using a firearm and one count of assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026

State authorities at the scene seized a firearm, knife, and unused ammunition and evacuated tourists from the premises.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

The youngest son of Zimbabwe's late former leader Robert Mugabe has pleaded guilty to pointing a firearm and illegally being in South Africa.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

He will not be permitted to enlist in the military, or possess a firearm, or obtain a federal security clearance.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Related Words

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