A2noun1K

Gun

UK /["/ɡʌn/"]/US /["/ɡʌn/"]/

Definition

a weapon that is used for firing bullets or shells

In simple words: A tool that shoots bullets.

Examples

  • The police officer drew his gun to protect himself.
  • In the movie, the villain uses a gun to threaten the heroes.
  • She has a collection of toy guns that she plays with.
  • The hunter took his gun to the forest for the deer season.
  • The sound of the gun was loud and startling.

Usage notes

Used in discussions about weapons, hunting, or self-defense. Not appropriate in casual conversations where violence may be discouraged. More accepted in law enforcement or military contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'gunning' it — driving fast like a racing car, but instead, it's a tool you use.

Collocations

  • big
  • heavy
  • loaded
  • be armed with
  • carry
  • have
  • blaze
  • fire
  • go off
  • control
  • law
  • crime
  • the barrel of a gun
  • guns and ammunition
  • hold a gun on somebody
  • big
  • heavy
  • loaded
  • be armed with
  • carry
  • have
  • blaze
  • fire
  • go off
  • control
  • law
  • crime
  • the barrel of a gun
  • guns and ammunition
  • hold a gun on somebody

Synonyms

  • firearm
  • pistol
  • rifle
  • weapon
  • arms

Antonyms

  • peace
  • disarmament

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'gun' with 'pistol' — not all guns are pistols.
  • Using 'gun' to describe non-firearm weapons, like knives.
  • Mispronouncing the word — some learners may pronounce it as 'gawn' instead of 'gun'.