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

Upon being placed in cuffs, the FBI discovered 16 kilograms of cocaine, two kilograms of heroin, fentanyl pills, an arsenal of firearms including multiple pistols, a rifle, and $1,500,000 in cash. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 5 Feb. 2025

Deputies searched Kennedy’s car and found a mini AK-47 loaded with a 60-round magazine and a loaded Glock pistol with an extended magazine, Linhardt added. —David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2025

State police said Rankin was detained and was found with a loaded 9mm pistol. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 Jan. 2025

At one point during the party, a boy wearing a mask was seen pointing a gun described as a Beretta pistol at someone recording him on video, the affidavit alleges. —Kc Baker, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025

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"