gunman

noun

gun·​man ˈgən-mən How to pronounce gunman (audio)
Synonyms of gunmannext
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.
Tributes have also poured in for several bystanders who tried to stop the gunmen as the attack unfolded. Helen Regan, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025 Despite their efforts to disarm him, the gunman eventually overpowered the two bystanders and killed them, according to authorities. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 2025 The father and son gunmen traveled to Davao, on the Philippine island of Mindanao — long a hotbed for Islamist extremist groups — before returning to Sydney in late November, according to the Philippines Bureau of Immigration. Scott Neuman, NPR, 17 Dec. 2025 The two are father and son, and Minns later confirmed that one gunman died at the scene and the other is in custody. Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gunman

Word History

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunman was in 1590

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gunman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunman. Accessed 19 Dec. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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