gunpowder

noun

gun·​pow·​der ˈgən-ˌpau̇-dər How to pronounce gunpowder (audio)
: an explosive mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur used in gunnery and blasting
broadly : any of various powders used in guns as propelling charges

Examples of gunpowder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The grandeur of the buildings reflects the historic wealth of these villages, where two rare goods vital to the upper class – silk and nitre (for use in gunpowder) – were produced for centuries. The Week Uk, theweek, 6 Oct. 2024 In the late 16th century, a brisk trade existed between the two groups with the French trading beads, metal utensils and gunpowder for hides and meat that would be delivered down-river to New Orleans. Curtis Varnell, arkansasonline.com, 22 Sep. 2024 He was found with a bullet in his jacket pocket similar in caliber to the one Lois was shot with and had gunpowder on his hands, prosecutors said. Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2024 Five minutes later, with the crew members strapped back in their seats and the gunpowder smell of space fresh in the cabin, the space walk was declared officially complete. Lee Billings, Scientific American, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gunpowder 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunpowder was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near gunpowder

Cite this Entry

“Gunpowder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunpowder. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

gunpowder

noun
gun·​pow·​der -ˌpau̇d-ər How to pronounce gunpowder (audio)
: an explosive mixture used in guns and blasting

More from Merriam-Webster on gunpowder

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