Words / B2

FEYE-uh-rahm/ˈfaɪərɑːm/

A firearm is a gun you can carry and fire: firearm offences; in possession of a firearm. Gun is everyday; firearm is legal and news English. The commissioner reported a fall in firearm offences. Do not use it for a water pistol. Sensitive, factual register.

Meaning

A gun that can be carried and fired.

Examples

• “Firearm offences fell in the force area, the commissioner said.”
• “Licensed firearms must be stored as the certificate requires, which is the legal sense.”

Good to know

firearm offences / possession; a licensed firearm. Everyday: gun. Legal and Home Office English. Countable. Not toys or metaphor.

Near in meaning

gun

New