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.
One night in 2011, a gunman fired seven shots that hit the White House; one struck ballistic glass on the Truman Balcony, where the Obamas often sat. Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 Fifteen people were killed when two gunmen opened fire at the celebration on Bondi Beach in December. ABC News, 4 May 2026 But the evening was derailed when a gunman sprinted toward a security checkpoint outside the Washington Hilton ballroom, where the dinner was just underway. Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 2 May 2026 The victims were wounded while the gunman fled on foot northbound on San Julian Street, according to LAPD. Los Angeles Times, 1 May 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

Cite this Entry

“Gunman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunman. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

gunman

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

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