Word
firearm
US/ˈfaɪˌɹɑɹm/
UK/fˈaɪəɹɑːm/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a weapon that uses gunpowder to shoot bullets or shells, like a gun or a rifle. You usually see this word in news reports or legal documents.
n. a portable weapon that discharges projectiles by the action of an explosive force. Often used as a formal or legal collective term for guns, rifles, and pistols.
Examples
“The police officer checked the suspect for a concealed firearm.”
“The new law requires all owners to store every firearm in a locked safe to prevent accidents.”
“Strict regulations govern the transport of any firearm across international borders, requiring extensive documentation and proof of legitimate sporting or security purposes.”
Examples
simple
“The police officer checked the suspect for a concealed firearm.”
contextual
“The new law requires all owners to store every firearm in a locked safe to prevent accidents.”
complex
“Strict regulations govern the transport of any firearm across international borders, requiring extensive documentation and proof of legitimate sporting or security purposes.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “firearm” in context.
Verb
01. brandish a firearm
“The suspect was apprehended after he began to brandish a firearm in the crowded mall.”
verb + noun
02. discharge a firearm
“It is a serious criminal offense to discharge a firearm within city limits.”
verb + noun
03. possess a firearm
“In many jurisdictions, it is illegal to possess a firearm without a valid permit.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. concealed firearm
“The officer asked the driver if he was carrying a concealed firearm in the vehicle.”
adj + noun
05. loaded firearm
“Never leave a loaded firearm unattended where children might find it.”
adj + noun
06. unlicensed firearm
“Police seized several unlicensed firearms during the raid on the warehouse.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. firearm offense
“The defendant had no prior history of any firearm offense before this incident.”
noun + noun
08. possession of a firearm
“He was charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.”
noun + of + noun
Usage
Often used in the plural to refer to weapons in a general or legal sense.
Real-World Examples
“A federal judge threw out two other charges in January, including that of murder through use of a firearm, which had carried the possibility of the death penalty.” “Thailand has suspended firearms licences after the deadly Nonthaburi school shooting , as the bodies of the teenage attacker and the grandparents he killed were cremated.” Etymology
From fire (“projectile discharge”) + arm (“weapon”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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