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

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

Authorities have said Mangione was carrying a backpack containing a ghost gun, fake IDs, and a notebook and other writings detailing his grievances with the health care system. —Adam Reiss, NBC news, 1 Dec. 2025

Nilan, who serves as deputy chief of intelligence and leads a unit of detectives dedicated to tracking down ghost guns in the city, pointed to the increasing frequency of the recovery of ghost guns as proof of the accessibility of making and producing these firearms. —Anna Schecter, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025

Sentencing will be increased for those in possession of ghost guns, Jones Dickson said. —Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 17 Nov. 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