smoking gun
noun
: something that serves as conclusive evidence or proof (as of a crime or scientific theory)
Examples of smoking gun in a Sentence
This document is the smoking gun that proves that he was lying.
Recent Examples on the Web
Genetic mutations are a smoking gun — as long as scientists know which ones to look for.
—
Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2025
One of many smoking guns in an artillery of reasons that doomed the Max original to cancelation long ago, Che was criticized endlessly after Season 2.
—Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 16 Aug. 2025
Bryant had the smoking gun that B-Mickie used to kill Kato.
—Giana Levy, Variety, 16 Aug. 2025
The smoking gun is supposed to be the constant revelation of these rich people’s hypocrisy.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smoking gun
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.
Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2025
One of many smoking guns in an artillery of reasons that doomed the Max original to cancelation long ago, Che was criticized endlessly after Season 2.
—Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 16 Aug. 2025
Bryant had the smoking gun that B-Mickie used to kill Kato.
—Giana Levy, Variety, 16 Aug. 2025
The smoking gun is supposed to be the constant revelation of these rich people’s hypocrisy.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smoking gun
Cite this Entry
“Smoking gun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smoking%20gun. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share