What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
firearm
Example
The police officer drew his firearm to defend himself. [firearm: noun]
Example
He enjoys collecting antique firearms from different eras. [firearms: plural noun]
gun
Example
She learned how to shoot a gun at the shooting range. [gun: noun]
Example
The soldier carried a loaded gun during his patrol. [gun: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gun is more commonly used than firearm in everyday language. Gun is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while firearm is less common and often used in formal or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between firearm and gun?
Firearm is typically associated with a more formal and technical tone, while gun is more casual and informal. However, the formality level may vary depending on the context and audience.
