gunpoint

noun

gun·​point ˈgən-ˌpȯint How to pronounce gunpoint (audio)
: the muzzle of a gun
Phrases
at gunpoint
: under a threat of death by being shot

Examples of gunpoint in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Her Democratic colleague, Representative Henry Cuellar of Texas, was carjacked at gunpoint in October. Andrew Trunsky, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2024 For example, one of my drivers was carjacked at gunpoint. Jay Cohen, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The two were then forced at gunpoint into the car’s trunk. Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 28 Feb. 2024 Home invaders who authorities say held a family at gunpoint in an early morning raid appear to have targeted the wrong house, California sheriff’s officials said. Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 25 Feb. 2024 In October 2016, moments before taking the stage at the Meadows Music & Arts Festival in New York, West learned that his wife, Kim Kardashian, had been robbed at gunpoint in her Paris hotel room. Dave Brooks, Billboard, 23 Feb. 2024 While one suspect guarded the victims, the other two went to the lower level, forced their way inside and, at gunpoint, robbed those inside of cash and personal belongings, the documents say. Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2024 In Fort Worth, two mail carriers were robbed at gunpoint in October 2023. Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Feb. 2024 The teen is also suspected of involvement in two other New York City incidents last month – a gunpoint robbery in the Bronx and firing a gun on 45th Street and Broadway, Chell said. Rob Frehse, CNN, 10 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gunpoint.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunpoint was in 1951

Dictionary Entries Near gunpoint

Cite this Entry

“Gunpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunpoint. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

gunpoint

noun
gun·​point ˈgən-ˌpȯint How to pronounce gunpoint (audio)
: the muzzle of a gun

More from Merriam-Webster on gunpoint

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