Word
gunpowder
Phoneticsgun·pow·der, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡənˌpaʊdɝ/
UK/ɡˈʌnpaʊdɐ/
Uncountable noun Military
Definition
n. a dry powder that explodes when it is lit. It is used in things like fireworks and bullets.
n. an explosive mixture of potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal. Historically significant as the first chemical explosive used in firearms and artillery.
Examples
“The ancient recipe for gunpowder changed the history of war.”
“The fireworks display relies on carefully measured amounts of gunpowder to launch the shells high into the night sky.”
“The invention of gunpowder in China eventually transformed global military strategy, rendering traditional stone fortifications vulnerable to the sustained power of heavy artillery.”
Examples
simple
“The ancient recipe for gunpowder changed the history of war.”
contextual
“The fireworks display relies on carefully measured amounts of gunpowder to launch the shells high into the night sky.”
complex
“The invention of gunpowder in China eventually transformed global military strategy, rendering traditional stone fortifications vulnerable to the sustained power of heavy artillery.”
Real-World Examples
“Seat of the Tsugaru clan, the castle was completed in 1611 but the original keep burned down after a lightning strike ignited a gunpowder store in 1627.” “Bushnell started experimenting with gunpowder while enrolled at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.” Etymology
From gun + powder.
Possibly due to its smell resembling gunpowder during the British Raj.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/gunpowder