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.
Four people who were at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during Sunday morning services when a gunman, who police have identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of Burton, were killed. Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025 The alleged gunman, an Iraq war veteran who had made disparaging comments about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the weeks before, drove his vehicle into the chapel, opened fire on congregants, and then set the building on fire. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025 This restriction hampered the MSS’ ability to reduce gangs’ territorial control as gunmen coordinated and simultaneously launched attacks in different corners of the country. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025 Last week, a gunman opened fire at an ICE facility in Dallas, killing two immigration detainees. Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gunman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunman. Accessed 7 Oct. 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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