gunman

noun

gun·​man ˈgən-mən How to pronounce gunman (audio)
Synonyms of gunmannext
1
: a man armed with a gun
especially : a professional killer
2
: a man noted for speed or skill in handling a gun

Examples of gunman in a Sentence

They were shot by an unknown gunman.
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.
The operation set off a wave of civil unrest, with vehicles being torched and gunmen, believed to be supported of Oseguera, blocking highways in a more than a dozen states. Greta Cross, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026 Hundreds of gunmen controlled every route leading to Oseguera’s main compound in Jalisco state, making concentric circles of protection around his hideout. Steve Fisher, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026 After several shootouts, eight gunmen were killed and the drug lord and two of his bodyguards were wounded. María Verza, Fortune, 24 Feb. 2026 Oakland police suspected McGee to be one of the shooters after video emerged of him appearing to wear the same clothing as one of the gunmen during the mass shootout at Lake Merritt. Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gunman

Word History

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunman was in 1590

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Cite this Entry

“Gunman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunman. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

gunman

noun
gun·​man -mən How to pronounce gunman (audio)
: a person armed with a gun
especially : an armed criminal

More from Merriam-Webster on gunman

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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