gunfire

noun

gun·​fire ˈgən-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce gunfire (audio)
: the firing of guns

Examples of gunfire in a Sentence

We heard gunfire in the distance.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pierre quickly regains his feet but the teens continue to pummel him until gunfire rings out. Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026 Hoshieh says one of her sons was killed by Israeli military gunfire in January 2023, while a second is held in Israeli administrative detention. Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026 An exchange of gunfire followed as Lara barricaded himself inside the home, sparking a standoff that lasted several hours. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026 Officers report and exchange of gunfire with the suspect on Brompton Lane in Bossier City. Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gunfire

Word History

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunfire was in 1727

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gunfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/gunfire. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

gunfire

noun
gun·​fire -ˌfī(ə)r How to pronounce gunfire (audio)
: the firing of guns

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