gunpoint

noun

gun·​point ˈgən-ˌpȯint How to pronounce gunpoint (audio)
: the muzzle of a gun
Phrases
at gunpoint
: under a threat of death by being shot

Examples of gunpoint in a Sentence

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.
The mother of a 7-year-old boy who was abducted at gunpoint in July will not face charges related to the incident. David Clarey, jsonline.com, 2 Oct. 2025 Catriona, the charming young heiress to a vast oil fortune, and her two year old son Adam, were brutally kidnapped at gunpoint outside a fish and chip shop in Fife. Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025 Footage that has been widely circulated on social media apparently shows Crawford getting out of a car at gunpoint during a traffic stop. George Ramsay, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025 Hours after being honored with a parade in Omaha, the 38-year-old boxer was held at gunpoint by local police during a traffic stop. Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gunpoint

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunpoint was in 1951

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gunpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunpoint. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

gunpoint

noun
gun·​point ˈgən-ˌpȯint How to pronounce gunpoint (audio)
: the muzzle of a gun

More from Merriam-Webster on gunpoint

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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