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.
Earlier this month, Palestinian gunmen opened fire on motorists there, killing three Israelis, including two women in their 70s. Joseph Krauss, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025 Biden made several trips to the Palmetto State during his presidency, including to attend the funeral service of Rev. Clementa Pinckney following his murder in the shooting at Mother Emmanuel Church, where a white supremacist gunman killed nine worshippers in 2015. Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 19 Jan. 2025 The gunman then opened fire on the others in the group, striking one of the men. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025 Editors’ Picks Last July, two gunmen opened fire outside the star actor Salman Khan’s house, also in Bandra. Pragati K.b., New York Times, 16 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near gunman

Cite this Entry

“Gunman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunman. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

gunman

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