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 lawsuit alleges that the buildup of unburned gunpowder residue, lead and other combustible material caused the deadly explosion.
—
Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025
The streets reeked of the metallic smell of gunpowder, and the heavy smoke set Wanis coughing.
—Nicolas Niarchos, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Miners usually stored their gunpowder inside their homes.
—Michael Luo, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
Attorney Cory Leshner also argued that the highest concentration of gunpowder residue was found on McCoy's hands, per the outlet.
—Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gunpowder
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Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025
The streets reeked of the metallic smell of gunpowder, and the heavy smoke set Wanis coughing.
—Nicolas Niarchos, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Miners usually stored their gunpowder inside their homes.
—Michael Luo, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
Attorney Cory Leshner also argued that the highest concentration of gunpowder residue was found on McCoy's hands, per the outlet.
—Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gunpowder
Cite this Entry
“Gunpowder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunpowder. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gunpowder
noun
gun·pow·der
-ˌpau̇d-ər
: an explosive mixture used in guns and blasting
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