firearm

Everyday

A gun that a person can carry, such as a pistol, rifle or shotgun. tree →

In the lessons

In news, law and safety, «firearms» is the formal word for guns. Laws on firearms are very strict in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, and different in the USA and Canada. Safety rule for children: if you find a gun, do not touch it, leave the area and tell an adult. Phrases: «firearms licence», «firearms officer», «a loaded firearm».

Examples

• Police said the man was carrying a firearm. tree →
• You need a licence to own a firearm. tree →
• Firearms officers are specially trained police. tree →
• If you ever see a firearm, don't touch it; tell an adult. tree →
• Australia changed its firearms laws after a terrible shooting in 1996. tree →
• Farmers may keep a firearm to protect animals. tree →
• You don't carry firearms, then, I presume?" tree →

Note

Formal word, used in news and law; everyday word is «gun». Usually countable; «firearms» in the plural is common. Toy and real guns can look alike; treat any gun as real and dangerous.