gunman

noun

gun·​man ˈgən-mən 

1

: a man armed with a gun

especially : a professional killer

2

: a man noted for speed or skill in handling a gun

Examples of gunman in a Sentence

They were shot by an unknown gunman.

Recent Examples on the Web

In response to the shooting, advocates with the United Bodegas of America gathered outside the store Thursday to offer a $5,000 reward for the gunman’s capture. — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026

Several people, including three teachers and three students, were killed on Friday after a teenage gunman opened fire at his school on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Following the fatal shooting, police identified 43-year-old Roderick Randall as the gunman who had injured two and killed two. — Makena Locsin, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Earlier this year, a gunman from California stormed a security checkpoint at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and exchanged fire with Secret Service agents before being subdued. — Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gunman

noun

gun·​man -mən 

: a person armed with a gun

especially : an armed criminal