ghost gun

noun

plural ghost guns

: a gun that lacks a serial number by which it can be identified and that is typically assembled by the user (as from purchased or homemade components)

Ghost guns, cobbled together with various parts often purchased separately, are popular among hobbyists and firearms enthusiasts.

—St. Louis Post-Dispatch

The issue centers on so-called ghost guns, which consist of untraceable parts that can be ordered online and then, with a little finishing work, assembled into a working firearm.

—Los Angeles Times

Even so, they haven't been outlawed; buying or selling a ghost gun is illegal, but making one remains kosher under US gun control laws.

—Andy Greenberg

Examples of ghost gun in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Zamora was later arrested leaving his home, and allegedly had a ghost gun in his possession, police said. —Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 2025

Williams and Patterson face various drug and gun charges, while Simoneau was charged with possession of a ghost gun. —Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 10 Dec. 2025

Simoneau is charged with possession or control of a ghost gun. —Matt Schooley, CBS News, 7 Dec. 2025

Along with the writings, police also found a ghost gun that authorities say match shell casings recovered from the scene where Thompson was killed. —Christopher Cann, USA Today, 1 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

2001, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ghost gun

• begun
• grandson
• gudrun
• handgun
• homespun
• outdone
• outrun
• pashtun
• redone
• rerun
• shotgun
• someone