gunman

[ guhn-muhn ]

noun

, plural gun·men.

1. a person armed with or expert in the use of a gun, gin, gun, especially one ready to use a gun gin gun unlawfully.
2. a person who makes guns. gun.

gunman

/ ˈɡʌnmən /

noun

1. a man who is armed with a gun, esp unlawfully
2. a man who is skilled with a gun
3. a person who makes, repairs, or has expert knowledge of guns

Derived Forms

• ˈgunmanˌship, noun

Other Words From

• gunman·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gunman¹

First recorded in 1615–25; gun ¹ + -man

Example Sentences

Thomas Waring, then 20, was in the dock alongside gunman Connor Chapman and was convicted of assisting an offender and possession of a firearm in July 2023.

From BBC

Steven Beschloss is a journalist and author of several books, including "The Gunman and His Mother."

From Salon

On Saturday, 10 people were killed and 13 wounded when a gunman opened fire at a bar in Queretaro state.

From Los Angeles Times

At the Republican National Convention in July, right after a gunman had failed to kill Trump, the candidate and his campaign were pretending he was a changed man who was now all about peace and, yep, "unity."

From Salon

In July, a gunman grazed his ear after shooting at the former president during a Pennsylvania rally.

From BBC

Related Words

• assassin
• hit man
• hit woman
• sniper