pistol

/ˈpɪstəl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: pistols · pistoling · pistolling · pistoled

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A handgun

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A handgun — The type of handgun with the chamber integral with the barrel.

Noun

Examples

She leveled her pistol at the target.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To shoot (at) a target with a pistol.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “pistol” mean?

A handgun

Is “pistol” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.