gunpowder

noun

gun·​pow·​der ˈgən-ˌpau̇-dər 

: an explosive mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur used in gunnery and blasting

broadly : any of various powders used in guns as propelling charges

Examples of gunpowder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The force was ready to face the British troops who had marched from Boston to seize gunpowder the colonists had stored ahead of what was likely to be a rebellion in the colonies. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2026

Every November 5, the English celebrate the capture of Guy Fawkes surrounded by 36 barrels of gunpowder in a cellar under Parliament. — Maurice O'Sullivan, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026

On this day in 1605, English authorities caught a man in the cellar underneath the House of Lords in London, surrounded by (badly hidden) barrels of gunpowder. — Lucia Barnum, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Oct. 2026

According to Shinde, the actor’s hands were hurt by gunpowder and flying glass. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gunpowder

• chowder
• crowder
• louder
• prouder

Kids Definition

gunpowder

noun

gun·​pow·​der -ˌpau̇d-ər 

: an explosive mixture used in guns and blasting