Firearm

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Firearm

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

FY-er-arm  /ˈfʌɪərɑːm/

Definition

A rifle, pistol, or other portable gun — a weapon from which a projectile can be discharged by the combustion of a propellant.

Plain meaning

A gun — any portable weapon that fires a projectile using the force of an explosive propellant.

Register

Formal and technical. Preferred in legal, governmental, and official contexts over the more informal gun. In everyday speech, gun is more common.