pistol

noun

pis·​tol ˈpi-stᵊl 

1

: a handgun whose chamber is integral with the barrel

broadly : handgun

2

: a notably sharp, spirited, or energetic person

pistol transitive verb

Synonyms

• dynamo
• fireball
• live wire

Examples of pistol in a Sentence

a real pistol, she dances rings around the other performers

Recent Examples on the Web

Former Indiana State Police Firearm Examiner Melissa Oberg testified the .40 caliber round found between the bodies matched a pistol seized from Allen’s home, according to CNN affiliate WTHR. —Zoe Sottile, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024

Turner was also convicted of four counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license. —Emily Palmer, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024

After allegedly firing a pistol at them, Campbell ran to a nearby barber college and went inside. —Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 18 Oct. 2024

Dearman wrestled a pistol away from Justin Reed as Reed tried to defend himself and Chelsea Reed. —Abigail Brooks, NBC News, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French pistole, from German, from Middle High German pischulle, from Czech píšt'ala, literally, pipe, fife; akin to Czech pištět to squeak

First Known Use

circa 1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pistol

• machine pistol
• pistol grip
• pistol-whip
• Very pistol
• water pistol

Kids Definition

pistol

noun

pis·​tol ˈpis-tᵊl 

: a short firearm made to be aimed and fired with one hand

Etymology

from early French pistole "pistol," from German pistole (same meaning), derived from Czech píšt'ala, literally, "pipe, fife"