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small arms

British  

plural noun

  1. portable firearms of relatively small calibre

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

Hints in open-source material suggest pilots learn martial-arts style kicks and that they carry small arms, and that they are trained in rules of engagement consistent with the Geneva Convention.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

The CIA has been supplying some Kurdish militias with small arms.

From Slate • Mar. 6, 2026

Walking in a straight line, their small arms resting on each other's shoulders, pupils smile as they head into the makeshift classrooms.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2026

The Israel Defense Forces said their troops were conducting operations near Al Quds Hospital when they were engaged by small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades.

From Washington Times • Nov. 13, 2023

Hazel wrapped her small arms around her small chest and looked around at the great trees.

From "Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu