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

The rule said ghost gun kits must be subject to the same regulations as regular firearms, including by marking them with serial numbers, requiring sellers to get licenses, and performing background checks on buyers. — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2026

By Bay City News The Santa Rosa Police Department arrested an 18-year-old Santa Rosa resident Thursday after officers discovered the suspect was in possession of a ghost gun during a traffic stop, authorities said. — Bay City News, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026

Latest case involving ghost guns The shooting out of the Pacific Northwest is the latest case involving ghost guns. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 28 July 2026

Opponents counter that California already bars unlawful firearm manufacturing with 3-D printers, and that ghost gun recoveries have declined since the state adopted a series of new laws and enforcement efforts. — Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026

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