1. a small firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand

Examples

• The police officer drew his pistol from its holster.
• She learned to shoot a pistol at the firing range.
• The antique pistol was displayed in the museum case.
• He kept a pistol in his desk drawer for protection.
• The cowboy’s pistol was tucked into his belt.
• She aimed the pistol carefully at the target.