gunfire

noun

gun·​fire ˈgən-ˌfī(-ə)r 

: the firing of guns

Examples of gunfire in a Sentence

We heard gunfire in the distance.

Recent Examples on the Web

This approach is particularly relevant against small drones, which can be difficult to hit with conventional gunfire because of their size and maneuverability. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026

The suspect was also killed in the gunfire, a police official said. — Tristan Maglunog, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026

The Gun Violence Archive, a national database documenting shootings, recorded 524 children under 11 killed or injured by gunfire in 2026 as of Thursday. — Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026

Officials said the victim was in Ellis Park in the 3500 block of South Vincennes Avenue when he was struck by gunfire. — Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gunfire

• briar
• brier
• buyer
• choir
• crier
• cryer
• drier
• dryer
• eyer
• flier
• flyer
• friar

Kids Definition

gunfire

noun

gun·​fire -ˌfī(ə)r 

: the firing of guns