# gunfight

/ˈɡənˌfaɪt/ (US) · /ɡˈʌnfaɪt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gunfight
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a fight between two or more people who are using guns. It usually happens very quickly and is often seen in movies or news stories.

For teachers: a violent confrontation between two or more individuals involving the use of firearms. Often implies a sudden, chaotic, and high-stakes encounter.

## Examples

- The movie shows a fast-paced gunfight in the middle of the street.
- The police arrived just as the gunfight ended, finding several suspects injured and one taken into custody.
- The historical account details the chaotic gunfight that erupted when the two rival gangs met at the crossroads, resulting in a significant shift in local power dynamics.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.