firearms

fire-arms · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Portable weapons that discharge bullets or other projectiles by means of an explosive charge.

  2. 2.

    Guns of any type, including pistols, rifles, and shotguns.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    firearms license — official permission to own or carry guns
  • •
    firearms training — instruction in the safe use of guns
  • •
    concealed firearms — weapons hidden from view

Related words

See also: gun, rifle, weapon
Synonyms: arms, guns, weapons

Etymology

Plural of firearm, a compound from fire (referring to the gunpowder explosion) + arm (meaning weapon). First used in the 17th century.