A more thorough explanation:

A firearm is a type of weapon that uses gunpowder or other explosives to expel a projectile, such as a bullet or pellets.

• A handgun
• A rifle
• A shotgun

These examples illustrate the definition of a firearm because they all use gunpowder or other explosives to expel a projectile. Handguns are small firearms that can be held in one hand, while rifles and shotguns are larger firearms that are typically held with both hands.