English Reference
noun

gunshot

n.
US /ˈɡənˌʃɑt/ UK /ɡˈʌnʃɒt/ gun·shot UK spelling gunshots

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the sound made when a gun is fired, or the act of firing it.

    the act of discharging a firearm or the audible report produced by such a discharge.

    Simple

    The sudden gunshot echoed through the quiet woods, scaring away the birds.

    In context

    Witnesses reported hearing a single gunshot followed by the sound of a vehicle accelerating rapidly away from the scene.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    an injury caused by a bullet from a gun.

    an injury or wound resulting from being struck by a projectile fired from a firearm.

    Simple

    The doctor treated a gunshot wound in the patient's shoulder.

    In context

    The emergency room staff was placed on high alert after reports of multiple victims with gunshot injuries arriving by private transport.

    bullet wound
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    the distance that a bullet can travel from a gun.

    the effective range or distance to which a projectile can be propelled from a specific firearm.

    Simple

    The soldiers stayed just out of gunshot to remain safe from the enemy.

    In context

    The scouts maintained a position just beyond gunshot of the fortress walls to observe the gate without drawing fire.

Usage gunshot wounds

Five individuals, who were all found with gunshot wounds, were taken to local hospitals.

BBC News· 15 Aug 2026

County police said officers discovered five people with gunshot wounds outside campus dormitories when they arrived.

BreakingNews.ie· 15 Aug 2026

From gun + shot.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated