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
St. Louis Post-DispatchThe 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
Los Angeles TimesEven 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
Andy GreenbergExamples of ghost gun in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Boston Police arrested a 17-year-old after a ghost gun allegedly fell out of his waistband during a foot chase.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026
In April 2022, the ATF issued a rule decreeing that ghost guns had to conform to the same regulations as regular firearms, including carrying serial numbers and requiring background checks.
—Alec MacGillis, ProPublica, 1 June 2026
The gun — which did not have a serial number and was therefore untraceable, a kind of weapon known as a ghost gun — was not loaded, police said.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
Five people, including two parolees, are in custody after compliance checks led to the seizure of drugs, cash, and weapons, including a ghost gun, the Cicero Police Department announced on Wednesday.
—Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ghost gun
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.
Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026
In April 2022, the ATF issued a rule decreeing that ghost guns had to conform to the same regulations as regular firearms, including carrying serial numbers and requiring background checks.
—Alec MacGillis, ProPublica, 1 June 2026
The gun — which did not have a serial number and was therefore untraceable, a kind of weapon known as a ghost gun — was not loaded, police said.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
Five people, including two parolees, are in custody after compliance checks led to the seizure of drugs, cash, and weapons, including a ghost gun, the Cicero Police Department announced on Wednesday.
—Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ghost gun
Cite this Entry
“Ghost gun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ghost%20gun. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
