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REFERENCE

gunfire

n.
US //ˈɡənˌfaɪɝ// UK //ɡˈʌnfaɪə// gun·fire
  1. 1 shooting (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the sound or action of guns being fired.

    the discharge of firearms, specifically the repeated firing of guns in a military or criminal context.

    Example

    The sound of distant gunfire kept the residents awake all night.

    Example

    The sudden burst of heavy gunfire from the ridge forced the advancing infantry to seek immediate cover behind the stone walls.
  2. 2 morning tea (n.)
    C2 Proficiency British English Slang Military

    a cup of tea served very early in the morning, especially in the army.

    a cup of tea served to soldiers before the first morning parade.

    Example

    The sergeant woke the men up with a hot cup of gunfire before the drill.

    Example

    In the traditional British Army mess, 'gunfire' refers to the early morning tea served to soldiers in their barracks before the day's duties begin.

    Usage

    Usually uncountable and used within a specific military subculture.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a very niche British military term; most modern speakers will only know the 'shooting' sense.
Origin

From gun + fire.

Word family

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