gunplay

[guhn-pley]

noun

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

Nearby words

Origin of gunplay

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; gun¹ + play

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for gunplay

Over time, the patterns of gunplay and stabbings reminded Slutkin of the diseases crossing rural Africa.
Using Strategies Reserved for Disease Outbreak, Activists Try to “Cure” Urban Violence|Sarah Kunst|April 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
You're up against something now that gunplay doesn't figure in.
The Grain Ship|Morgan Robertson
If she were with him, not even Lord Nick in his madness would force on a gunplay in the presence of a woman, no doubt.
Gunman's Reckoning|Max Brand
It is my wits and gunplay against theirs and against their cowardice and dirty tricks.
The Orphan|Clarence E. Mulford

He had watched the Hawk's gunplay with an awe-stricken face; its speed never failed to amaze him.
The Passing of Ku Sui|Anthony Gilmore
This was to be better than any gunplay, a gladiatorial combat to delight the hearts of frontiersmen.
Rimrock Trail|J. Allan Dunn

British Dictionary definitions for gunplay

gunplay

noun

mainly US 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

Word Origin and History for gunplay

gunplay

also gun-play, 1891, from gun (n.) + play (n.).