ghost gun

American  

[gohst guhn] / ˈgoʊst ˌgʌn /

noun

1. a gun that does not have a serial number and cannot be easily traced, especially one assembled at home from parts purchased without a background check.

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Etymology

Origin of ghost gun

First recorded in 2010–15

Example Sentences

“A ghost gun is one that effectively has no identity,” said Garen Wintemute, director of the California Firearm Violence Research Center with UC Davis and an emergency room physician.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2024

The Baltimore, Maryland, native was found in possession of a so-called ghost gun, a largely untraceable firearm, and a three-page handwritten document that indicated "motivation and mindset", officials said.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2024

Officials accused the three companies of undermining the federal Gun Control Act by selling the ghost gun kits without doing point-of-sale requirements, including background checks.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2024

Elias Smith, a 24-year-old ex-Marine, had stepped to his front door with a so-called ghost gun, an AR-style rifle that Mr. Smith had assembled from parts ordered online.

From New York Times • May 20, 2024

First, it may simply be that Barrett believes the text of the Gun Control Act covers ghost gun kits, and that O’Connor’s decision to the contrary was egregiously, indefensibly wrong.

From Slate • Aug. 8, 2023