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

Sarajevans still remember his commands to the Serb gunmen pounding the Bosnian capital in early 1992. — Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

The investigation remains ongoing, and Francisco, along with the gunman remain at large, according to media reports from earlier this month. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 26 Aug. 2026

Multiple people, including children, died when a gunman opened fire at a Billings, Montana, home that was then set alight, authorities said Monday. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2026

The incident was caught on a surveillance camera, showing the gunman in the 149 Grill and Deli on East 149th Street and Walton Avenue. — Aziza Shuler, CBS News, 25 Aug. 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