Pistol Meaning
/ˈpɪstəl/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounA handgun
nounA handgun, The type of handgun with the chamber integral with the barrel.
Sentence Examples
Bill was careless in handling his pistol.
A pistol bullet went clean through his leg.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
He kept a loaded ____ in his desk drawer for protection.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The detective found a loaded ____ hidden beneath the floorboards of the suspect's apartment.
Word Origin & History
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”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"She was gregarious, opinionated, and in charge, the kind of person you'd describe as a real pistol, and I was immediately drawn to her."
— 2011, Diane Lierow, Bernie Lierow, Kay West, Dani's Story: A Journey from Neglect to Love, page 81:
"She features so many dance tunes and is a pistol with her sharp and witty remarks."
— 2012, Jimmy Correa, How My Prank Stories in ‘You Tube’ Made Me an Overnight Sensation, iUniverse, page 102:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
He kept a loaded ____ in his desk drawer for protection.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The detective found a loaded ____ hidden beneath the floorboards of the suspect's apartment.