holster: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1General, with strong associations to law enforcement, military, and cinematic contexts.
Quick answer
What does “holster” mean?
A device, typically made of leather or plastic, worn on the body or attached to a piece of equipment to hold a handgun or other small tool securely and ready for quick use.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device, typically made of leather or plastic, worn on the body or attached to a piece of equipment to hold a handgun or other small tool securely and ready for quick use.
Any case, sheath, or specialized holder designed to secure an object, especially one that attaches to a person, vehicle, or piece of equipment, allowing for ready access.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Both accept noun and verb forms. Spelling is consistent. The context of firearm ownership makes the word more frequently encountered in American media and general discourse.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with police, military, and Western/cinematic tropes. In American context, also associated with civilian firearm ownership ('concealed carry holster'). In the UK, the connotation is almost exclusively professional or historical.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to cultural and legal factors surrounding firearms. In British English, it is a specialist/law enforcement term for most speakers.
Grammar
How to Use “holster” in a Sentence
holster + [firearm] (e.g., He holstered his revolver.)[firearm] + be holstered (e.g., The pistol was securely holstered.)holster + [abstract noun] (figurative, e.g., holster one's pride)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “holster” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The officer calmly holstered her sidearm after the situation was resolved.
- He was ordered to holster his weapon immediately.
American English
- The sheriff holstered his Colt and stepped off the porch.
- For safety, always holster your firearm before moving.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form. Not used.
- N/A
American English
- No standard adverbial form. Not used.
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The holster position is specified in the manual.
- He wore a holster belt with his uniform.
American English
- She prefers a holster-mounted magazine pouch.
- The holster retention level is adjustable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; possible in security services context or product design (e.g., 'We manufacture tactical holsters.').
Academic
Rare; found in historical, military, or criminology studies.
Everyday
Understood but infrequently used in daily conversation for most speakers without relevant hobbies/professions.
Technical
Common in law enforcement, military, security, and firearms enthusiast terminology, with precise classifications (e.g., retention holster, duty holster, paddle holster).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “holster”
- Pronouncing the 'l' as too strong (/hɔːl.stə/). The 'l' is often quite soft or dark. /ˈhoʊl.stɚ/
- Using 'holster' as a general term for any bag or container (e.g., 'phone holster' is acceptable, 'groceries holster' is not).
- Confusing 'holster' (for a handgun) with 'scabbard' (for a sword/bayonet) or 'sling' (for a rifle).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes, but it can be extended to holders for other tools like multi-tools, tasers, or spray cans, especially if they attach to a belt. The core concept is a secure, ready-access holder for a handheld device.
A holster is specifically designed to be worn on the body (belt, shoulder, ankle) or attached to equipment for immediate access. A case is more general and often implies storage or transport, not necessarily ready-to-use carrying (e.g., a guitar case, a glasses case).
Yes. 'To holster' means to put (a firearm or similar object) into its holster. It implies a deliberate, often safe, action (e.g., 'Holster your weapon.')
In both British and American English, the 'l' in 'holster' is a 'dark L' /ɫ/. The tongue tip often doesn't fully touch the alveolar ridge as in a 'light L', especially in American English, making it sound closer to the vowel. This is a common feature in words where 'l' is followed by a consonant (e.g., 'calm', 'salve').
A device, typically made of leather or plastic, worn on the body or attached to a piece of equipment to hold a handgun or other small tool securely and ready for quick use.
Holster is usually general, with strong associations to law enforcement, military, and cinematic contexts. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Holster your lip. (slang: be quiet)”
- “Quick on the draw (from holstering/unholstering)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BELT HOLDER for a PISTOL. HOLster HOLds.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTAINER FOR POTENTIAL ACTION / READINESS.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the word 'holster' LEAST likely to be used literally?