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.
Michigan shooting survivor sues after former friend shot him in face with ghost gun More:What is a ghost gun? Darcie Moran, Detroit Free Press, 18 Oct. 2024 Supreme Court probes limits of ATF rule regulating ghost guns Supreme Court won't decide Texas dispute over emergency abortions Supreme Court won't hear dispute involving Jack Smith and Trump's X data More Melissa Quinn Melissa Quinn is a politics reporter for CBSNews.com. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2024 There’s no doubt that ghost guns pose a public safety hazard. Noah Feldman, The Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2024 The number of ghost guns recovered by police and reported to the BATF rose from 1,600 in 2017 to more than 19,000 in 2021. Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 8 Oct. 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 22 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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