noun
gun
A weapon that fires projectiles, or a tool shaped or operated similarly.
The guard keeps his gun locked safely in a cabinet.
Etymology
Gun is generally connected with Gunilda, a woman’s name used as a name for a weapon. The common noun broadened from weapons to similarly shaped or operated tools.
More examples
- She wears ear protection when firing a gun at the range.
- He uses a nail gun to attach the boards.
- A glue gun makes it easy to attach the ribbon.
Forms
gun · guns
gunner noun — A person who operates a mounted gun.
Similar words
- firearm
- Specifically a weapon fired using gunpowder, not a gun-shaped tool.
- pistol
- Names a small gun designed to be held in one hand.