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

Authorities say a ghost gun, silencer and writings expressing ill will were found on Mangione and link him to the crime. —Filip Timotija, The Hill, 18 Apr. 2025

San Diego County has gone after other industries in recent years, including opioid manufacturers and the maker of a milling machine the county argues can be used to make unregistered firearms known as ghost guns. —Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025

Listen to this article A man was arrested on numerous firearm charges last Friday after police allegedly discovered multiple ghost guns, two 3D printers and a slew of gun parts while investigating a domestic violence incident in Norwich. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 2025

Wednesday’s Supreme Court decision marks a fundamental turning point nationally on the issue of ghost guns, led by conservative justice Neil Gorsuch. —Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

2012, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ghost gun

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