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

Authorities said Dayan acquired a .45-caliber pistol after her release from jail. —Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 29 Dec. 2024

In at least four of the heists, the thieves threatened their victim with a gun; one victim was pistol whipped, cops said. —Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 23 Dec. 2024

Their theory is that Green threatened Gates, walked to a nearby Tesla for a purse containing a pistol, then pulled the gun and fired as the lone aggressor in the situation. —Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 20 Dec. 2024

Clerk Crystal Williams told NBC DFW that the three entered the One Stop, bought cigars, and then returned armed with a pistol and a .22 long rifle. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 18 Dec. 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"