gunpowder
noun
gun·pow·der
ˈgən-ˌpau̇-dər 
: 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
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The new study suggests that the ship probably sank from an explosion, which caused the shots stored near gunpowder to fly around and get flattened.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2025
The artist, known for his gunpowder paintings and outdoor pyrotechnic spectacles, was born in the southern Chinese city of Quanzhou but has been based in New York since the mid-90s.
—Chris Lau, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025
Cai, 67, who is known for his gunpowder paintings and pyrotechnics and ran the fireworks shows at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, also apologized.
—Peter Guo, NBC news, 22 Sep. 2025
The smell of gunpowder was in the air, which felt appropriate for her.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2025
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Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2025
The artist, known for his gunpowder paintings and outdoor pyrotechnic spectacles, was born in the southern Chinese city of Quanzhou but has been based in New York since the mid-90s.
—Chris Lau, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025
Cai, 67, who is known for his gunpowder paintings and pyrotechnics and ran the fireworks shows at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, also apologized.
—Peter Guo, NBC news, 22 Sep. 2025
The smell of gunpowder was in the air, which felt appropriate for her.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gunpowder
Cite this Entry
“Gunpowder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunpowder. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
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gunpowder
noun
gun·pow·der
-ˌpau̇d-ər
: an explosive mixture used in guns and blasting
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