gunfire

noun

gun·​fire ˈgən-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce gunfire (audio)
: the firing of guns

Examples of gunfire in a Sentence

We heard gunfire in the distance.
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.
Residents near the park, located off David Drive in the Bonnie Brae neighborhood, said they were awakened just before midnight by gunfire and emergency sirens. CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026 Daniel Trumm simultaneously exchanged a barrage of gunfire with Oliver inside the home, killing the low-level drug-trafficking suspect. Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026 Hengaw reported that a protest march following Friday prayers had been met with gunfire, wounding several people, according to Reuters. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026 Police said their preliminary investigation determined there was an exchange of gunfire between two parties. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gunfire

Word History

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunfire was in 1727

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gunfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunfire. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

gunfire

noun
gun·​fire -ˌfī(ə)r How to pronounce gunfire (audio)
: the firing of guns

More from Merriam-Webster on gunfire

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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