What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sidearm
Example
The police officer drew his sidearm to defend himself. [sidearm: noun]
Example
She holstered her sidearm before entering the building. [sidearm: noun]
firearm
Example
He purchased a new firearm for his hunting trip. [firearm: noun]
Example
The suspect was armed with a loaded firearm. [firearm: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Firearm is a more commonly used term than sidearm in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of weapons and contexts. Sidearm is a more specific term that is often used in law enforcement or military contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sidearm and firearm?
Both sidearm and firearm are formal terms that are typically used in serious or professional contexts, such as law enforcement or military settings.
