gunshot

noun

gun·​shot ˈgən-ˌshät How to pronounce gunshot (audio)
1
: shot or a projectile fired from a gun
2
: the range of a gun
3
: the firing of a gun

Examples of gunshot in a Sentence

He was killed by a gunshot to the head.
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.
Jacki Kelley, spokesperson for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, said the suspect was one of three students hospitalized with gunshot wounds after the shooting at Evergreen High School, located about 30 miles southwest of Denver. Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025 Moments after it was confirmed that Charlie Kirk died from a gunshot wound during a college event Wednesday in Utah, several Arkansas political leaders went to social media to express their dismay over the conservative activist's death. Ella McCarthy, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2025 Though the conversation continued, moments later a gunshot can be heard in video footage and Kirk slumps in his seat. Mikelle Street, Them., 10 Sep. 2025 There are no gunshots involved. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gunshot

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gunshot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunshot. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

gunshot

noun
gun·​shot -ˌshät How to pronounce gunshot (audio)
1
: shot fired from a gun
2
: the range of a gun
within gunshot
3
: the firing of a gun

More from Merriam-Webster on gunshot

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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