water gun

American  

noun

1. water pistol.

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water gun British  

noun

1. another term (esp US) for water pistol

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Etymology

Origin of water gun

First recorded in 1640–50

Example Sentences

If it’s dark, it may be difficult to tell the difference between a water gun and a real firearm, he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

The 69-year-old general went on the offensive soon after, taking aim at partygoers from close range with a fluorescent pump-action water gun.

From Reuters • Apr. 14, 2023

A video uploaded on 10 April shows a man in red firing a water gun at two policemen and reporters of TVB, which many consider pro-government.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2023

You can build six models, including water-rocket cars, jet-propelled boats, a water gun and even a lawn sprinkler.

From Washington Post • Nov. 2, 2022

“I should tell you that while you were dreaming, a boy shot piss out of a water gun on my hair.”

From "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini