gunman

noun

gun·​man ˈgən-mən How to pronounce gunman (audio)
Synonyms of gunmannext
1
: a man armed with a gun
especially : a professional killer
2
: a man noted for speed or skill in handling a gun

Examples of gunman in a Sentence

They were shot by an unknown gunman.
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 two gunmen who carried out the attack were shot and killed. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 To get a conviction, the state will have to convince the jury that Conway paid the gunman, Kewon White, who's serving a life sentence, and another man to kill Noble. — CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 The alleged victim turned toward the gunman and refused to give up his belongings, the affidavit said. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026 Footage from the scene of the church attack showed three gunmen opening fire at the entrance of the Hamoud Greek Orthodox church in the Jordanian district of Karak, before storming in. — Aoife Walsh, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gunman

Word History

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunman was in 1590

Browse Nearby Words

gunmaker
gunman
gunmetal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gunman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunman. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gunman

noun
gun·​man -mən How to pronounce gunman (audio)
: a person armed with a gun
especially : an armed criminal

More from Merriam-Webster on gunman

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for gunman

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