gunfight

noun

gun·​fight ˈgən-ˌfīt How to pronounce gunfight (audio)
: a hostile encounter in which antagonists with guns shoot at each other
gunfighter noun

Examples of gunfight in a Sentence

There was a gunfight between the rival gangs.
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.
Detroit police are investigating a gunfight that left two men injured Saturday evening at a repast on the city's east side. Nick Lentz, CBS News, 15 June 2026 The gunfight in the West Texas city brought to a close a lengthy manhunt that began when a man fired a rifle at a Midland Police Department officer on June 10, city officials said. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 13 June 2026 The situation quickly escalated into a gunfight. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026 Sandy Huffaker / Getty Images The gunmen returned fire, as did Abdullah, who was killed in the gunfight, Wahl said. Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for gunfight

Word History

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunfight was in 1659

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Cite this Entry

“Gunfight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunfight. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

gunfight

noun
gun·​fight -ˌfīt How to pronounce gunfight (audio)
: a fight fought with guns
gunfighter noun

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