# gunman

/ˈɡənmən/ (US) · /ɡˈʌnmən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gunman
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a person who uses a gun to commit a crime or attack people. This word is often used in news reports about shootings.

For teachers: a person who uses a firearm to commit a crime or carry out an attack. Often used in journalistic contexts to describe an unidentified assailant.

## Examples

- The gunman escaped before the police arrived.
- Witnesses described the gunman as wearing a dark jacket and a mask during the robbery.
- Security footage provided investigators with a clearer timeline of the events, though the gunman's identity remained obscured by the low light and heavy rain.

## Usage notes

- Typically used in singular or plural form to refer to criminals or attackers rather than soldiers or police officers.

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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.