# gunner

/ˈɡənɝ/ (US) · /ɡˈʌnɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gunner
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.