1. plural of pistol; small firearms designed to be held and fired with one hand

Examples

• The police officers holstered their pistols after the situation was resolved.
• The museum displayed antique pistols from the Civil War era.
• Security guards are trained to use pistols safely and responsibly.
• The detective kept two pistols locked in a secure gun safe.
• Olympic shooting competitions include events for both rifles and pistols.
• The cowboy movies always featured duels with old-fashioned pistols.