handgun
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of handgun
First recorded in 1400–50, handgun is from the late Middle English word handgone. See hand, gun 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Because no shell casings or muzzle flash was seen in surveillance video, police suspect the shooter used an airsoft handgun.
From Los Angeles Times
While performing CPR, officers found a handgun in the teenager’s possession.
From Los Angeles Times
On the day in 2015 when she heard her cancer prognosis, she filled out the paperwork and began the 10-day waiting period to buy a handgun.
From Los Angeles Times
“I don’t know at this time what caliber it was,” Morton said, “and I don’t know if that handgun is related to our crime scene until further investigation is completed.”
From Los Angeles Times
The revision came after media reports said handguns issued to regular Japanese police are of limited use against bears because the weapons are not powerful enough to kill them.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
