hit man

American  

Or hitman

noun

Slang.

1. a hired killer, especially a professional killer from the underworld.

2. hatchet man.

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hit man British  

noun

1. slang a hired assassin, esp one employed by gangsters

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Etymology

Origin of hit man

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70

Example Sentences

Defending Mr Saunders, John Harrison said his client was known as "dippy Dominique" and incapable of arranging a hit man.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2025

“The Last of Us”! “Beef”! The final seasons of “Ted Lasso,” “Succession” and Bill Hader’s superbly dark hit man comedy, “Barry.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2023

But the one that has most resonated — killed, you might say — has been a gentler, funnier take on the genre that says right up front: The hired hit man is a Hollywood myth.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 13, 2023

Enter Death Drop, a former hit man and current drag queen, who is pushed by Mother Henny, the hostess of the club, to find Lunaira.

From New York Times • Jun. 9, 2023

He squeezes the words out of the corner of his mouth like a hit man.

From "The Misfits" by James Howe

Related Words

• assassin
• gunman
• hit woman
• murderer
• sniper