Handgun
/ˈhændɡʌn/
Definitions
A small firearm designed to be held and operated with one hand.
/ˈhændɡʌn/
A firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand.
He kept a handgun locked in the safe for protection.
💡 Simply: Imagine a smaller gun you can hold in one hand – that's a handgun! It's like the gun from a Wild West movie, but smaller and designed to be easily carried.
👶 For kids: A handgun is a small gun you can hold in one hand.
More Examples
The detective pulled out his handgun to confront the suspect.
The regulations surrounding handgun ownership vary greatly from state to state.
How It's Used
"Police officers are often trained in the use of handguns."
"Soldiers may carry a handgun as a secondary weapon."
"Target shooting is a popular sport with handguns."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From 'hand' + 'gun'. Refers to a firearm that can be held and operated with one hand. The term emerged with the advent of smaller, more easily concealable firearms, in contrast to larger rifles and cannons.
The term 'handgun' gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the increasing availability and popularity of smaller, easily carried firearms. Historical documents and literature often refer to these as pistols or revolvers as well, but the term handgun became widely adopted to differentiate the category.
Memory tip
Think 'hand' + 'gun': It's a gun you hold in your hand.
Word Origin
"Compound word formed from 'hand' (the part of the body used for holding) and 'gun' (a weapon that fires projectiles)."