# handgun

/ˈhændˌɡən/ (US) · /hˈændɡʌn/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/handgun
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a small gun that you can hold and fire with just one hand.

For teachers: a firearm designed to be held and operated by a single hand, such as a pistol or revolver.

## Examples

- The officer carried a handgun in a holster on his belt.
- The local government introduced stricter laws regarding the storage and transport of a handgun within city limits.
- While rifles are preferred for long-range accuracy, the handgun remains the primary choice for personal protection due to its compact size and ease of concealment.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.