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 gunman found the judge's address, pictures of her house and vehicle information online. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 11 Mar. 2025 Vaughn was standing on the sidewalk shortly after 1:30 p.m. when the Nissan pulled up and at least two gunmen got out and opened fire with semi-automatic weapons, according to the complaint. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025 Another video, obtained by News 12, shows the gunman firing the fatal shots from across the street. — John Annese, New York Daily News, 9 Mar. 2025 Police have not commented on a motive for the shooting, but security camera video from Slappy’s Express Car Wash appears to show the two gunmen targeted Sibley. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gunman

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunman was in 1624

Browse Nearby Words

gunman
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Cite this Entry

“Gunman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunman. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of gunman for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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