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.
Rogers died during gunfire the circumstances of which are being investigated by the Texas Rangers at the request of the sheriff’s office. Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026 The agency said Johnson County deputies found Rogers, who was reportedly holding a pistol, before gunfire was exchanged. Briauna Brown, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026 The gunfire echoed inside nearby bank headquarters, where thousands of workers were breaking for lunch. Eric MacK, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2026 At least one suspect has been killed after three people engaged in an armed clash with police officers in Istanbul that saw gunfire reported ringing out near the Israeli embassy in the Turkish city, officials said. Sarah Dean, NBC news, 7 Apr. 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 11 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

gunfire

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

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