gunman

[guhn-muhn]

noun

plural

gunmen 

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

Other Word Forms

• gunmanship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gunman¹

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

Example Sentences

The incident occurred outside a restaurant in midtown Manhattan in the early hours of Sunday morning after a dispute turned violent and a gunman reportedly fired two shots.

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An unidentified gunman killed his youngest brother on Thursday afternoon.

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Colosio was shot once in the head and once in the abdomen, feeding speculation that a second gunman was involved.

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In the attack in April in Pahalgam, Indian authorities were swift to accuse Pakistan of backing the gunmen -- claims denied by Islamabad.

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Six Sri Lankan players were wounded in March 2009 when gunmen opened fire on their team bus as it was taking them to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for a Test match.

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• sniper