Word
gunner
Phoneticsgun·ner, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡənɝ/
UK/ɡˈʌnɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person whose job is to fire a large gun, especially on a ship or plane. In some schools or offices, it can also mean someone who is too competitive and works too hard to beat others.
n. a member of the armed forces who operates or maintains a large-calibre gun or artillery piece. In North American academic or professional slang, it refers to an overachieving, hyper-competitive individual who seeks to outperform peers at any cost.
Examples
“The gunner aimed the cannon at the target.”
“The law school was full of gunners who spent every waking hour in the library to secure the top ranking.”
Examples
simple
“The gunner aimed the cannon at the target.”
contextual
“The law school was full of gunners who spent every waking hour in the library to secure the top ranking.”
Usage
In its military sense, it is a formal job title; in its academic sense, it is informal and often carries a negative or critical tone.
Real-World Examples
“RAF Regiment Gunners, who were among the last British military personnel stationed there, had shot down more than 100 drones in the first six weeks of the war.” “My cameraman, Tihomir Tunukovic, a man I had known and worked alongside during the previous 18 months, was killed by a Serb gunner on a ridge above the road he was driving on.” “Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, 19, was found dead in her locked room at Larkhill Camp, Wiltshire, on 15 December 2021 following a block party.” Word family
NOUN
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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