gunfire

noun

gun·​fire ˈgən-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce gunfire (audio)
: the firing of guns

Examples of gunfire in a Sentence

We heard gunfire in the distance.
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.
As the crowd chants largely out of sight, heavy automatic gunfire can be heard for 15 uninterrupted seconds. Marin Scott, NBC news, 14 Jan. 2026 The gunfire damaged the car’s rear end, trunk, tail light and rear window louver, according to court documents. Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 13 Jan. 2026 Some videos show Iranian forces responding to protesters with gunfire. Holly Williams, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026 As many as 150 people were inside the banquet hall on Lucile Avenue when the gunfire erupted. Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gunfire

Word History

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunfire was in 1727

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gunfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunfire. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

gunfire

noun
gun·​fire -ˌfī(ə)r How to pronounce gunfire (audio)
: the firing of guns

More from Merriam-Webster on gunfire

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!