ghost gun

noun

plural ghost guns
: a gun that lacks a serial number by which it can be identified and that is typically assembled by the user (as from purchased or homemade components)
Ghost guns, cobbled together with various parts often purchased separately, are popular among hobbyists and firearms enthusiasts.St. Louis Post-Dispatch
The issue centers on so-called ghost guns, which consist of untraceable parts that can be ordered online and then, with a little finishing work, assembled into a working firearm.Los Angeles Times
Even so, they haven't been outlawed; buying or selling a ghost gun is illegal, but making one remains kosher under US gun control laws.Andy Greenberg

Examples of ghost gun 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.
Sheriff’s officials said the detectives then found evidence that the Buckeye resident resold the ghost gun to Kitagawa on April 8. Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 14 Jan. 2025 Mangione, whom police say was caught with a ghost gun and several fake IDs, is facing forgery and weapons charges in Pennsylvania. Nicole Acosta, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024 The 26-year-old was found with a ghost gun that authorities said was similar to the one used by the killer, as well as a handwritten manifesto about the healthcare industry. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 16 Dec. 2024 The death of Thompson, a 20-year veteran of the health insurance giant, has exposed a division in America, with many publicly celebrating his demise, while an outpouring of support has popped up for Mangione, who allegedly used a ghost gun to carry out the shocking killing. Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ghost gun 

Word History

First Known Use

2012, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ghost gun was in 2012

Dictionary Entries Near ghost gun

Cite this Entry

“Ghost gun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ghost%20gun. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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