gunpowder

noun

gun·​pow·​der ˈgən-ˌpau̇-dər How to pronounce gunpowder (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The smell of gunpowder was in the air, which felt appropriate for her. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2025 With water, fresh mint, gunpowder green tea, plain yogurt and toasted coconut emerge. Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Sunflower Ammo The additional acreage is home to several streamway corridors and former buildings of the Sunflower Ammunition Plant — once the world’s largest gunpowder and propellant plant. Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025 For example, a team was partially successful in synthesizing them using gunpowder and compressed air on graphite disks. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gunpowder

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunpowder was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Gunpowder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunpowder. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

gunpowder

noun
gun·​pow·​der -ˌpau̇d-ər How to pronounce gunpowder (audio)
: an explosive mixture used in guns and blasting

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