pistol

noun

pis·​tol ˈpi-stᵊl How to pronounce pistol (audio)
1
: a handgun whose chamber is integral with the barrel
broadly : handgun
2
: a notably sharp, spirited, or energetic person
pistol transitive verb

Examples of pistol in a Sentence

a real pistol, she dances rings around the other performers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for pistol 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pistol was circa 1560

Dictionary Entries Near pistol

Cite this Entry

“Pistol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pistol. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pistol

noun
pis·​tol ˈpis-tᵊl How to pronounce pistol (audio)
: 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"

More from Merriam-Webster on pistol

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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