gunman

noun

gun·​man ˈgən-mən 

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

After riddling the vehicle with bullets and receiving backup from the 400 Mawozo gang, the gunmen set the vehicle on fire with an explosive device, several sources told the Herald. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

The gunman was tackled by another teacher and fatally shot by an armed bystander, 36-year-old Kaylub Giamanco, who followed him into the school, according to police. — Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

The bystander followed the 16-year-old gunman and shot him as another teacher was wrestling with him over the weapon, according to police. — Tom Winter, NBC news, 21 Oct. 2026

Authorities said another teacher threw her phone at the gunman and then tackled him and wrestled with him for control of the weapon, likely saving lives before the gunman was shot by a father who followed him into the building. — ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gunman

noun

gun·​man -mən 

: a person armed with a gun

especially : an armed criminal