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

Contemporary sources suggested that cannon fire struck a stash of gunpowder aboard the San José, triggering a massive explosion that caused the ship to sink, but more recent research points to the galleon splitting open. —Aurora Martínez, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 June 2025

Authorities said Vandenberg purchased six mortar rounds, each containing about 2 ounces of gunpowder, and 36 large fireworks before leaving the store. —Susan Montoya Bryan, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025

In the end, neither side made off with the flagship’s riches—the San José’s stores of gunpowder eventually ignited, causing the vessel to sink to the bottom of the Atlantic. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 11 June 2025

Kovalenko claimed that the Tambov gunpowder plant had been forced to suspend operations by the strike. —David Brennan, ABC News, 11 June 2025

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