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gunplay

American  
[guhn-pley] / ˈgʌnˌpleɪ /

noun

  1. the exchange of gunshots, usually with intent to wound or kill.


gunplay British  
/ ˈɡʌnˌpleɪ /

noun

  1. the use of firearms, as by criminals

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of gunplay

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; gun 1 + play

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.

Police always have strict policies about engaging in gunplay — especially in public areas with many innocent bystanders.

From Salon

The gunplay is primary though there are some obligatory scenes of martial arts fights.

From Seattle Times

The result is a picture with genre trappings, but more on its mind than gunplay and drug money.

From New York Times

There’s no gunplay, there’s no slashing, there’s no blood.

From Los Angeles Times

That only kills the mystery if those bells and whistles are important to you; it's plain that the gunplay and action choreography are Kim's prioritized co-stars.

From Salon