derringer

Definition of derringernext

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of derringer One hundred and fifty-nine years ago, a 26-year-old white supremacist and Confederate sympathizer named John Wilkes Booth pointed a .44 caliber derringer pistol at the back of Abraham Lincoln’s head and squeezed the trigger. Brian Matthew Jordan, National Review, 14 Apr. 2024 In 1976, after wrecking his Rolls-Royce in a drunk-driving accident, he was arrested, intoxicated, with a loaded derringer on the grounds of Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate. Chris Morris, Variety, 28 Oct. 2022 Police found a silver derringer-style gun in his backpack at the time of his arrest. oregonlive, 21 June 2022 There's also a replica of the derringer pistol John Wilkes Booth used to assassinate Lincoln. Ariana Garcia, Chron, 13 May 2022 Wagrowski also testified that police found two guns -- a .22-caliber Kel-tec and a small derringer -- at the Crumbley home, aside from the one allegedly used in the shooting. Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 8 Feb. 2022 Police arrested a Sandusky man, 29, who was carrying a Ruger .45 caliber pistol with three magazines containing 22 rounds, along with a loaded High Standard derringer. Thomas Jewell, cleveland, 23 Jan. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derringer
Noun
  • The revolver Soto used in the shooting was lawfully owned and registered, Welch added.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • According to investigators, the revolver was a family heirloom, and Holly did not have regular access to the safe.
    Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Video from a neighbor’s Ring camera shows a man identified by police as Soto pulling a pistol, then chasing Morello while continuing to shoot and pulling the trigger at least twice after Morello stumbles and falls to the ground.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The Investigative Committee said a Makarov pistol with a silencer was discovered at the scene.
    CNN's Tim Lister, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • At the scene were two firearms, a long gun and a modified handgun, McDonald said.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Police recovered a long gun and a modified handgun.
    Jim Morris, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The handgun, which was introduced in 1935 after Prohibition, is a six-shooter revolver that fires rounds at a high velocity.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 28 Nov. 2025
  • Its big selling feature is a revolver-like cylinder that spins and snicks along on precision bearings, just like the cylinder of a six-shooter.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 June 2025
Noun
  • Each had a sidearm clasped in both hands.
    Scott Eden, Rolling Stone, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Grayson drew his sidearm and yelled at her to drop the pan.
    John O’Connor, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Prosecutors accused the parents of allowing their son access to the firearm and ignoring warnings about his declining mental health and risk to others.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Current owners can keep their firearms and sell them to dealers.
    Cindy Camp, Baltimore Sun, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Simpson then directed one of his friends to follow Palmer's car and the other friend to retrieve his gun, court records say.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Everett Police Officer Daniel Wall fired his gun multiple times at 33-year-old Malden man Admilson Vizcaino amid the chaotic scene last summer.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Derringer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derringer. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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