gunman

noun

gun·​man ˈgən-mən How to pronounce gunman (audio)
1
: a man armed with a gun
especially : a professional killer
2
: a man noted for speed or skill in handling a gun

Examples of gunman in a Sentence

They were shot by an unknown gunman.
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.
Israel’s campaign in Gaza The influential pan-Arab satellite channel Al Jazeera aired on a loop what appeared to be mobile phone footage of the alleged gunman, wearing a suit jacket and slacks, being pulled away after the shooting, his hands behind his back. Maya Sweedler, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025 McGregor was identified as the gunman who fatally shot a 30-year-old man on June 5, 2023, in the 800 block of East 45th Street, police said. Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025 That was proven last July when multiple security oversights allowed a crazed gunman to take shots at President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025 The attack occurred on Friday evening when police say multiple gunmen entered the bar and opened fire, according to a statement from the South African Police Service. Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for gunman

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunman was in 1624

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Cite this Entry

“Gunman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunman. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

gunman

noun
gun·​man -mən How to pronounce gunman (audio)
: a person armed with a gun
especially : an armed criminal

More from Merriam-Webster on gunman

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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