# holster

/ˈhoʊɫstɝ/ (US) · /hˈəʊlstɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/holster
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. a case for a weapon

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. a tool holder

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The police officer kept her pistol in a leather holster.
- The carpenter reached for his drill, which was hanging securely in a heavy-duty holster on his tool belt.
- In many classic Western films, the tension of a scene is built through close-up shots of a character's hand hovering just inches above their leather holster.

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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.