gunplay

noun

gun·​play ˈgən-ˌplā How to pronounce gunplay (audio)
: the shooting of small arms with intent to scare or kill

Examples of gunplay 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.
Marathon aims to bridge the accessibility gap, streamlining the gameplay to some core hero abilities for each distinct Runner and providing solid, yet familiar gunplay that Bungie has perfected while developing Halo and Destiny. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025 Havoc's vast ensemble collides across several crackling action sequences, pairing thunderous gunplay with creative kills involving champagne bottles, harpoon guns, and rusty hooks. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 Apr. 2025 This makes firefights all about who fires first, more or less, and skill is mainly about getting the drop on people rather than being good at actual gunplay. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 The gameplay loop falls into this rhythm quickly, funneling players into one very specific kind of play that emphasizes parries more than gunplay. Kazuma Hashimoto, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gunplay

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunplay was in 1881

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Cite this Entry

“Gunplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunplay. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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