gunman

noun

gun·​man ˈgən-mən How to pronounce gunman (audio)
1
: a man armed with a gun
especially : a professional killer
2
: a man noted for speed or skill in handling a gun

Examples of gunman in a Sentence

They were shot by an unknown gunman.
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.
The gunman was sentenced to life in prison for murder after a jury rejected his attempt to avoid prison time by pleading not guilty by reason of insanity. Colleen Slevin, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025 After the shooting just before 6 p.m., the gunman ran away from 8000 NW Seventh St., spot of a building with insurance and financial services companies. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 1 June 2025 Police at the time said the gunmen were targeting a relative of Brown. Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025 But before reciting El Maleh Rahamim, a prayer memorializing the dead, Alpert appeared to address the alleged gunman. Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for gunman

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunman was in 1624

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Cite this Entry

“Gunman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunman. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

gunman

noun
gun·​man -mən How to pronounce gunman (audio)
: a person armed with a gun
especially : an armed criminal

More from Merriam-Webster on gunman

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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