noun

pistol

pistol, handgun

The police officer drew his pistol.

The police officer drew his pistol.

She kept a small pistol in her nightstand.

She kept a small pistol in her nightstand.

((a/an)) pistol a type of handgun The police officer drew his pistol.

Synonyms: handgun, firearm, gun, revolver

From Czech 'píšťala' (whistle, pipe), via German 'Pistole' and French 'pistolet'. The name may refer to its shape or the sound it makes.

Associate the sharp sound of the word 'pistol' with quick action, like in a spy movie or a western.

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