gunner

noun

gun·​ner ˈgə-nər How to pronounce gunner (audio)
Synonyms of gunnernext
1
: a soldier or airman who operates or aims a gun
2
: one who hunts with a gun
3
: a warrant officer who supervises ordnance and ordnance stores

Examples of gunner in a Sentence

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.
Malik Turner is a valuable gunner on special teams, while Cowing would presumably be the top option in the return game. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Delane was on the field for three defensive series, and even played gunner on the punt coverage team on one play. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026 And Tavierre Thomas makes sense if the Vikings are committed to maximizing special teams by using him as a gunner. — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Tabor said Louis has only had three plays as the gunner in punt coverage, one in the joint practice with the Giants and two in Saturday’s game. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gunner

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunner was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing gunner

Rhymes for gunner

See All Rhymes for gunner

Browse Nearby Words

gunnen
gunner
gunner's mate
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Cite this Entry

“Gunner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunner. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gunner

noun
gun·​ner ˈgən-ər How to pronounce gunner (audio)
1
: one who operates or aims a gun
2
: one who hunts with a gun

More from Merriam-Webster on gunner

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for gunner

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