gunfight

noun

gun·​fight ˈgən-ˌfīt How to pronounce gunfight (audio)
: a hostile encounter in which antagonists with guns shoot at each other
gunfighter noun

Examples of gunfight in a Sentence

There was a gunfight between the rival gangs.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Plenty of gunfights and hand-to-hand combat too, all the better to keep things as fast-moving and confounding as possible. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 22 May 2025 The relationships and the conflicts that might define or crystallize or complete these characters’ journeys never really materialize, aside from a couple of pro-forma gunfights that feel airlifted in from another, more conventional western. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 2 May 2025 Even certain buildings evoke memories of intense gunfights. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 What inspired you to add elements like Christian iconography and Western gunfights? J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gunfight

Word History

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunfight was in 1659

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gunfight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunfight. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

gunfight

noun
gun·​fight -ˌfīt How to pronounce gunfight (audio)
: a fight fought with guns
gunfighter noun

More from Merriam-Webster on gunfight

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!