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Added 9 October 2026

pistol

/ˈpɪstəl/ noun

In Latin: pistōla, pistōlium Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about pistol at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A handgun .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
She leveled her pistol at the target.
The type of handgun with the chamber integral with the barrel.
She leveled her pistol at the target.
The mechanical component of a fuse in a bomb or torpedo responsible for firing the detonator.

verb

To shoot (at) a target with a pistol.

Origin

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”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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