German word

Pistole

Pronunciation

IPA/pɪsˈtoːlə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounpistol

Example

Auf dem Tisch liegen zwei Pistolen.

Two pistols are on the table.

Illustration for Pistole (pistol)

More examples

Der Verdächtige war mit einer Pistole bewaffnet.

The suspect was armed with a pistol.

Core concept

A compact firearm with a grip that fits one hand and a short barrel pointed forward.

Common phrases

  • mit einer Pistole bewaffnet

    armed with a pistol

  • eine Pistole abfeuern

    fire a pistol

  • eine Pistole besitzen

    own a pistol

Similar words

Waffe: A tool or device intended for attacking or defending.
Schusswaffe: A firearm that launches bullets or other ammunition.
Revolver: A handgun whose rotating cylinder holds and releases rounds one by one.
Gewehr: A long-barreled gun designed to be aimed from the shoulder with both hands.

Definition in German

Kleine Schusswaffe, die mit einer Hand gehalten und abgefeuert werden kann.

Word origin

German Pistole was borrowed from French pistolet, which is related to Italian pistola; the word's deeper origin is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • Pistole is feminine, so the forms are die Pistole, einer Pistole, and die Pistolen in the plural.

Related words

  • Pistolenbesitzerpistol ownernoun
  • Pistolenträgerpistol carriernoun
  • Pistolenverbotpistol bannoun

Word lists with this word