Meaning of gun in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ɡən/

   US accent

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   UK accent

   How to pronounce gun in British English, in context ▾
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1. Verb

   gun

   Definitions

   1. shoot with a gun

2. Noun

   gun

   Etymology

   Middle English gunne, gonne, perhaps from a pet form of the Scandinavian name Gunnhildr, from gunnr + hildr, both meaning ‘war’

   Definitions

   1. a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
3. 2. large but transportable armament
4. 3. a person who shoots a gun (as regards their ability)
5. 4. a professional killer who uses a gun
6. 5. a hand-operated pump that resembles a gun

   Examples

   • « forces grease into parts of a machine »
7. 6. a pedal that controls the throttle valve

   Examples

   • « he stepped on the gas »
8. 7. the discharge of a gun as signal or as a salute in military ceremonies

   Examples

   • « a twenty gun salute »