gun rights

plural noun

US politics

: legal rights that allow civilians to own, use, and sell guns

supporters of gun rights

—often used before another noun

gun rights advocates/groups

Note: The term gun rights often suggests support for an interpretation of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that favors broad rights to gun ownership.

Examples of gun rights in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The ruling marks a significant victory for gun rights advocates and adds to growing legal uncertainty surrounding state assault weapons bans after the high court’s 2022 decision. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 17 July 2026

At issue is whether these modern rapid-fire rifles fit within the history of the gun rights protected by the 2nd Amendment or instead represent a new and dangerous threat to public safety that was unknown in 1791. — Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026

In the fall, the court, which has expanded gun rights, is expected to hear appeals challenging a ban in the Chicago area, which predates the statewide law. — ABC News, 9 July 2026

Such bans have been passed in response to mass shootings, but gun rights advocates argue that millions of Americans own AR-15s for self-defense. — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gun rights

• alights
• ascites
• barytes
• campsites
• chondrites
• daylights
• delights
• excites
• flashlights
• floodlights
• footlights
• graphites