Definition & Meaning of "pistol"in English

What is a "pistol"?

A pistol is a small, handheld gun designed for shooting bullets. It has a short barrel and is typically used for self-defense, law enforcement, or sport shooting. Pistols can be semi-automatic, meaning they reload automatically after each shot, or revolvers, which have a rotating cylinder that holds multiple bullets. They are known for their portability and ease of use at close range.