noun
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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
Some politicians had previously raised concerns that members of the public and neighbours had seen the cull taken place and had heard gunfire in the area.
From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2026
Frank Vogas told AFP he was buying paint at a shop in the area when the gunfire erupted.
From Barron's ● Jun. 22, 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
On Paul Van Riper’s first tour in Southeast Asia, when he was out in the bush, serving as an advisor to the South Vietnamese, he would often hear gunfire in the distance.
From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell
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.
