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 Owning a ghost gun is legal in most US states, although a couple have introduced regulation. —

Rajan Basra, WIRED, 5 July 2024 Gray was arrested and was allegedly found to be in possession of 80 individual bags of cocaine, a Polymer 80 ghost gun loaded with seven rounds of ammunition and more than $1,200 in cash, officials said. —

Taylor Hartz, Hartford Courant, 6 Apr. 2024 Before being hired in 2021 to help conduct drug and ghost gun investigations for the DA’s office, Robles worked for the New York State Police for 27 years. —

Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 21 July 2024 In New Jersey, for example, recent legislation requires all ghost guns to be registered and serialized. —

Rajan Basra, WIRED, 5 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for ghost gun

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ghost gun.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.