Pistol/ˈpɪstl/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Safety Context Used when talking about personal safety, law enforcement, or military. The police officer's pistol was securely holstered. Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Sensitivity Pistols may be sensitive topics due to associations with violence and crime. When discussing pistols, be aware of the cultural context. Pro Tip 3/3Descriptive Imagery Pistols are often mentioned in creative writing for dramatic effect. The novel's hero wielded a pistol, bracing for the showdown.