holster

IPA/ˈhəʊlstə(r)/
KK[hˈolstɚ]IPA/ˈhəʊlstər/

holster — noun

  • holstersingular
  • holstersplural

1. a container, often made from leather or strong fabric, worn at the waist or unde

1.nounB2
Definition

a container, often made from leather or strong fabric, worn at the waist or under the arm to hold a gun

Example

Mira adjusted the holster on her hip before stepping out of the patrol car.

collocation: adjust + holster

The leather holster on Samir's belt creaked when he sat down in the wooden chair.

Common collocations
  • adjust a holster
  • draw from a holster
  • pull from a holster
  • reach for a holster
  • leather holster
  • nylon holster
  • holster on the hip
  • holster on the belt
Synonyms
  • sheath

    a cover for a knife or blade rather than a gun; 'sheath' suggests the blade slides into a tight case, while a holster often has a strap or clip

  • scabbard

    a rigid cover for a sword or bayonet; much larger and less common in everyday speech than 'holster'

Usage Note

Used almost exclusively for handguns carried on a person's body, typically by police officers, security personnel, or authorised gun owners. Rifles and shotguns are not carried in holsters.

Common Mistakes

He put his phone in his holster.
He put his phone in a belt case / pouch.
'Holster' refers specifically to a holder for a gun, not for phones or tools.

Etymology

First known use

1663

1663, in the meaning defined above