gunfire

[ guhn-fahyuhr ]

noun

1. the firing fire of a gun gin gun or guns. gun.
2. Military. the tactical use of firearms, especially artillery, as distinguished from other weapons, as bayonets, torpedoes, or grenades.

gunfire

/ ˈɡʌnˌfaɪə /

noun

1. the firing of one or more guns, esp when done repeatedly
2. the use of firearms, as contrasted with other military tactics

Word History and Origins

Origin of gunfire¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; gun ¹ + fire

Example Sentences

During the call he played an audio of gunfire in the background, according to Florida prosecutors.

From Los Angeles Times

However, several US airlines suspended flights to the country this week after three planes were hit by gunfire approaching or departing the airport this week.

From BBC

Several airlines have suspended flights to Haiti after a passenger plane from the US was hit by gunfire as it tried to land in Port-au-Prince.

From BBC

Spirit Airlines said that damage "consistent with gunfire" was found when the plane was inspected at Santiago Airport.

From BBC

In an email, Berkeley police officer Byron White identified six “gunfire locations” in the area of the UC Berkeley campus, including the 2400 blocks of Telegraph and Durant avenues; the 2200 blocks of Bancroft Way and University Avenue; the 2400 block of Durant Avenue; the 2300 block of Fulton Street and the 1100 block of Sutter Street.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• artillery
• barrage
• blast
• bombardment
• burst
• detonation
• firing
• shooting
• thunder
• volley