noun
-
the firing of one or more guns, esp when done repeatedly
-
the use of firearms, as contrasted with other military tactics
Etymology
Origin of gunfire
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In Byrd and Roberts’ case, the state insists it arose in seconds, during the same chaotic burst of gunfire that even the judge agrees began as lawful self-defense.
From Slate ● Aug. 11, 2026
In the statement on Thursday, Muir said that there were no sounds of "loud gunfire" and that "silencers" were used.
From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2026
On Feb. 24, 1525, the age of chivalry came to a symbolic end amid smoke and gunfire.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 2026
Commandos for the National Guard Special Forces, or FERI, secured the training exercise area and rescued a "hostage" amid a haze of explosions, smoke, and rattling gunfire.
From Barron's ● Jun. 10, 2026
Slanting silver ropes slammed into loose earth, plowing it up like gunfire.
From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
