gunpowder

noun

gun·​pow·​der ˈgən-ˌpau̇-dər How to pronounce gunpowder (audio)
: 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

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 scent of gunpowder is still wafting off the season 3 finale, but Alan Ritchson's Jack Reacher is already gearing up for his next exercise in bone-crunching justice. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2025 Rather than prioritizing the gunpowder needed to explode the effigy and win some cash, all three teams first focus on collecting shields. Tom Smyth, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025 Instead, the other motorist shot Jiang eight times -- with several bullets fired so close to his head that the exploding gunpowder left burn marks on his face. Murray Weiss, CBS News, 24 Jan. 2025 In Silo 18, Knox visits Walker to tell her of a new plan to use the remaining gunpowder, as sneaky Bernard watches and listens to the conversation from a hidden camera that Walker activated. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 13 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gunpowder

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Gunpowder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunpowder. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

gunpowder

noun
gun·​pow·​der -ˌpau̇d-ər How to pronounce gunpowder (audio)
: an explosive mixture used in guns and blasting

More from Merriam-Webster on gunpowder

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