# gunfire

/ˈɡənˌfaɪɝ/ (US) · /ɡˈʌnfaɪə/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gunfire
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. shooting

noun · CEFR B2

the sound or action of guns being fired.

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

- The sound of distant gunfire kept the residents awake all night.
- The sudden burst of heavy gunfire from the ridge forced the advancing infantry to seek immediate cover behind the stone walls.

### 2. morning tea

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Slang

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

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

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

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

## Examples

- The sudden sound of gunfire startled the birds in the trees.
- Residents were advised to stay indoors after heavy gunfire was heard coming from the city center.
- The rhythmic crackle of distant gunfire served as a grim reminder that the ceasefire had been broken during the night.

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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.