pistol
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a small gun that is designed to be held and fired with one hand.
n.a firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand, typically a semi-automatic or a revolver.
Simple“The officer carried a pistol in a holster on his belt.”
In context“The museum's collection includes several ornate duelling pistols from the eighteenth century, each featuring intricate silver engravings on the barrel.”
- 02 C2 Proficiency
n.a person who is very lively, energetic, or determined.
n.a person characterised by high energy, spirit, or a feisty temperament.
Simple“Even at eighty years old, my grandmother is a real pistol.”
In context“The new intern is a total pistol, constantly pitching ambitious ideas and working late to ensure every detail is perfect.”
Teacher's tipThis is a complimentary but informal Americanism; it suggests the person is small but powerful or surprisingly active.
Synonymsfirecrackerlive wire - 03 C2 Proficiency
n.a specific way players stand in American football to start a play.
n.an offensive formation in American football where the quarterback stands a few yards behind the centre with a running back behind him.
Simple“The team switched to the pistol formation to confuse the defense.”
In context“By utilising the pistol formation, the offense was able to maintain a strong running game while still threatening a quick passing attack.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
n.the part of a bomb or torpedo that makes it explode.
n.the mechanical device in a bomb, mine, or torpedo that triggers the detonator upon impact or at a set time.
Simple“The technician carefully inspected the pistol of the torpedo before loading it.”
In context“The failure of the weapon was attributed to a faulty pistol that failed to ignite the main explosive charge upon contact with the hull.”
Synonymsfiring mechanismdetonator - 05 C1 Advanced
v.to shoot someone or something with a pistol.
v.to shoot a target or individual using a handgun.
Simple“The outlaw was pistoled during the confrontation at the saloon.”
In context“In the final chapter of the novel, the protagonist is pistoled by his rival in a dramatic showdown on the cliffs.”
UsageThis verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
Synonymsshootgun down
“He then drew his pistol as he shouted for her to drop the pot.”
“Among past winners of the Edinburgh comedy award, few seemed less likely when the starter’s pistol fired than Ahir Shah in 2023 .”
Probably from Middle French pistole, or via Middle English pistolet, from Middle French pistolet (“small firearm or small dagger”). The origin is unclear. If via German to Romance probably from Middle High German forms like pischulle from Czech píšťala (“firearm”, literally “tube, pipe”), from Proto-Slavic piščalь, from piskati, piščati (“to squeak, whistle”), from Proto-Balto-Slavic pīṣk-. Alternatively, if from Romance to German, from or related to Italian pistolese (“short dagger”), from Italian Pistoia (“a Tuscan town noted for its gunsmithing”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.