small arms

A police officer carefully inspects the small arms in the station's secure locker.

Definition

Noun (plural) - Handheld firearms: "small arms" refers to portable firearms that can be carried and operated by an individual, typically including pistols, rifles, and carbines. These are distinguished from larger weapons like artillery or machine guns that require multiple operators or mounting.

Usage Examples

• (Handheld firearms such as rifles and pistols.)
• (Portable weapons used in conflicts.)
• (Firearms that are easy to transport.)

Advanced Usage

• "small arms fire": gunfire from handheld weapons, often used in military or tactical contexts.
  • The troops advanced under heavy small arms fire. (Continuous shooting from rifles and pistols.)
• "small arms ammunition": bullets or cartridges designed for use in handheld firearms.
  • The consignment contained small arms ammunition for training exercises. (Ammunition for pistols and rifles.)

Variants and Related Words

• Small-arms (adj): relating to or involving handheld firearms.
  • The small-arms factory produced rifles for the army. (The factory specialized in making handheld weapons.)
• Arms (n): weapons collectively, especially firearms.
  • The country agreed to reduce its arms stockpile. (Weapons of various types.)

Synonyms

• Handheld firearms: weapons that can be carried and operated by one person.
• Sidearms: typically pistols or revolvers carried on a belt or holster.
• Portable weapons: firearms that are easy to move and use individually.

Related Idioms

• "Under arms": armed and ready for combat.
  • The militia was under arms to defend the village. (Prepared with handheld weapons.)
• "Bear arms": to carry or own weapons, especially firearms.
  • Citizens have the right to bear arms in some countries. (The right to possess handheld weapons like small arms.)

Notes on Usage

• "Small arms" is always used in the plural form and does not have a singular version. It is a collective noun for categories of handheld firearms.
• In legal or disarmament contexts, "small arms" often includes weapons like submachine guns and light machine guns, but excludes heavier crew-served weapons.