Words / A1

WORT-uh-pistl/ˈwɔːtə ˌpɪstl/

A water pistol is a toy that looks a little like a gun but only shoots water, for play in a garden or at the beach. Countable: a water pistol, water pistols. Two words: water pistol. A watering can pours a gentle stream on plants; a hose is a long tube from a tap. Mix-up: pistol (a real gun) without water — this is a toy; never a real gun.

Meaning

A toy gun that shoots water, used in play.

Examples

• “Do not squirt the cat with the water pistol.”
• “Fill the water pistol at the outdoor tap.”
• “No water pistols in the house, please.”

Good to know

a water pistol (toy, water only). Contrast: watering can (plants), hose (tap tube). Mix-up: pistol (real gun).

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