gunpowder

noun

gun·​pow·​der ˈgən-ˌpau̇-dər How to pronounce gunpowder (audio)
: an explosive mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur used in gunnery and blasting
broadly : any of various powders used in guns as propelling charges

Examples of gunpowder 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.
In addition to a plan of action, according to the federal affidavit, step-by-step instructions were discovered detailing how to build a pipe bomb and create homemade gunpowder. Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 15 Dec. 2025 Everything is packed with gunpowder. Anthony Jeselnik, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2025 Spillner was still in her clothing and no visible gunpowder markings or bullet holes were discovered, police said. Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 10 Dec. 2025 Gazyrs, which were traditionally used to store gunpowder for rifles, are now off-limits for designers per the Chechen Culture Ministry. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 26 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gunpowder

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunpowder was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Gunpowder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunpowder. Accessed 25 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

gunpowder

noun
gun·​pow·​der -ˌpau̇d-ər How to pronounce gunpowder (audio)
: an explosive mixture used in guns and blasting

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