gunfight

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

gunfighter

2 of 2

noun (2)

: one noted for taking part in gunfights or for skill in gunfighting

Examples of gunfight in a Sentence

Noun (1) There was a gunfight between the rival gangs.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
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

Noun (1)

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 25 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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