holster

noun

hol·​ster ˈhōl-stər How to pronounce holster (audio)
: a leather or fabric case for carrying a firearm on the person (as on the hip or chest), on a saddle, or in a vehicle
broadly : a case for carrying a usually small item on the person
a knife holster
a heart monitor carried in a hip holster

Examples of holster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Another officer who was following behind got closer to her and pulled a black handgun from her holster. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025 Araujo also allegedly had an appendix holster still attached to his body. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2025 Wyrick also tried pulling Dosh’s handgun from its holster during the struggle, Linhardt added. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025 The prosecuting attorney then claimed that the superior court judge responded by taking his pistol out of his ankle holster and shooting her, per the San Bernardino Sun. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for holster

Word History

Etymology

Dutch; akin to Old English heolstor cover, helan to conceal — more at hell

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of holster was in 1663

Cite this Entry

“Holster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holster. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

holster

noun
hol·​ster ˈhōl(t)-stər How to pronounce holster (audio)
: a usually leather case for carrying a pistol

More from Merriam-Webster on holster

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!