gunner

[ guhn-er ]

noun

1. a person who operates a gun or cannon.
2. Army. an occupational title in the artillery.
3. Navy. a person skilled in handling ammunition and gunnery equipment.
4. Marine Corps. a warrant officer who may be given any one of a number of assignments.
5. British.
   1. Military. a private in the artillery.
   2. Informal. any officer or enlisted person assigned to the artillery.
6. a person who hunts with a gun.

gunner

/ ˈɡʌnə /

noun

1. a serviceman who works with, uses, or specializes in guns
2. navy (formerly) a warrant officer responsible for the training of gun crews, their performance in action, and accounting for ammunition
3. (in the British Army) an artilleryman, esp a private gnr
4. a person who hunts with a rifle or shotgun

Derived Forms

• ˈgunnerˌship, noun

Other Words From

• gunner·ship noun
• under·gunner noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gunner¹

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; gun ¹, -er ¹

Example Sentences

She had already begun a budding romance with Ron, an RAF gunner, but believed she had been rejected when his letters went unanswered.

From BBC

The family's journey through the past began when former gunner Percy, from Pimlico in central London, shared his story of landing on Sword Beach with the 7th Armoured Division of the British Army.

From BBC

The teenagers are just a few years younger than the pilots, navigators, air gunners, and wireless operators whose names and ages are recorded on the headstones.

From BBC

"I tried using the time constructively," Mr Devonport, who served as a Chieftain gunner in the First Royal Tank Regiment, said.

From BBC

Although more accustomed to playing out wide as a gunner, he didn’t blink at lining up at a position more often occupied by bigger linebackers, or sometimes even linemen.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• shooter