firearm

noun

fire·​arm ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌärm How to pronounce firearm (audio)
: a weapon from which a shot is discharged by gunpowder
usually used of small arms

Examples of firearm in a Sentence

revolvers, rifles, and other firearms will need a permit to carry a firearm
Recent Examples on the Web As part of the ruling, Rhodes’ charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon was dismissed. The Indianapolis Star, 6 Mar. 2024 Topeka police arrested a Kansas lawmaker Monday on suspicion of traffic violations and possession of a firearm while under the influence. Katie Bernard, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2024 Along with the murder charge, Jordan faced charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and making criminal threats, both felony charges; along with a misdemeanor charge of battery against a spouse or cohabitant. Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 5 Mar. 2024 The city enacted several new laws and regulations that essentially gut the annual event after last year's chaos, when two people were fatally shot, several were injured in stampedes, and police made 488 arrests (including 230 felony arrests) and seized 105 firearms. Chris Eberhart, Fox News, 4 Mar. 2024 The shooter’s mother, who also was fatally shot by her son, legally purchased all the firearms recovered in the case. Celina Tebor, CNN, 3 Mar. 2024 Denise Smith, a Virginia Commonwealth University safety ambassador, saw Pollard in the garage, his firearm dropping onto the ground. Olivia Diaz, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2024 Mulkey faces a felony charge of possessing a firearm by a felon and possessing narcotics, a misdemeanor. Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 23 Feb. 2024 Roughly three years before Lyndell Mays allegedly pulled a gun at the Kansas City Chiefs victory rally and fired, the 23-year-old was a suspect in another incident involving a firearm displayed in a public place. Bill Lukitsch, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'firearm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1643, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of firearm was in 1643

Dictionary Entries Near firearm

Cite this Entry

“Firearm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firearm. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

firearm

noun
fire·​arm ˈfī(ə)r-ˌärm How to pronounce firearm (audio)
: a weapon from which a shot is discharged by gunpowder
usually used only of small arms

More from Merriam-Webster on firearm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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