English Reference

Word

holster

Phoneticshol·ster

US/ˈhoʊɫstɝ/

UK/hˈəʊlstɐ/

Definitions

01a case for a weapon

B2

n. a case, usually made of leather, that holds a handgun and is worn on a belt or under the arm.

n. a protective case for a handgun, typically attached to a belt, shoulder harness, or thigh rig for rapid access.

“The police officer made sure his gun was secure in its holster before leaving the station.”

“The detective adjusted his shoulder holster under his jacket to ensure the weapon remained concealed while he was in the public gallery.”

Synonyms

casingholderscabbard

02a tool holder

B2

n. a small case or loop on a belt used to carry tools like a hammer or a phone.

n. a specialized pouch or loop attached to a belt for carrying specific equipment or manual tools.

“The carpenter reached for the drill in his belt holster while standing on the ladder.”

“Modern technicians often wear a rugged holster for their diagnostic tablets to keep their hands free while climbing equipment racks.”

Synonyms

Etymology

From Dutch holster (“pistol-case, holster”), from Middle Low German holster, from Old Saxon holster, ultimately from Proto-Germanic hulastrą, *hulistrą (“hull, case, covering”). Cognate with Old English heolstor (“a covering, veil, hiding-place”), Danish hylster (“pistol case, envelope”), Icelandic hulstur (“sheath”), Gothic 𐌷𐌿𐌻𐌹𐍃𐍄𐍂 (hulistr, “covering”). Compare German Halfter (“pistol case”). Related to hull, hele.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference