What is gunman? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of gunman

gunmannoun

tay súng

/ˈɡʌnmən//ˈɡʌnmən/

Where does the word gunman come from?

The term "gunman" is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century in the United States. During this time, the word "gun" was often used to refer to a hired assassin or outlaw, particularly in the Wild West. A "gunman" was one who used a gun to earn a living, often through illegal means such as robbery or murder. The term gained popularity with the rise of cowboy films and books in the early 20th century, where characters like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday were portrayed as skilled gunfighters. The term stuck, and today "gunman" is often used to describe someone who uses a gun in a violent or criminal manner. Interestingly, the term's origin is closely tied to the legends of outlaws like Jesse James and Billy the Kid, who earned notoriety for their gunfights and fearless exploits.

Vocabulary summary gunman

typenoun

meaninggunman; gangster

Example of vocabulary gunmannamespace

  • The police are searching for a gunman who held up the bank earlier this afternoon.
  • The school was placed on lockdown when a gunman was spotted near the campus.
  • The gunman opened fire outside the courthouse, sending panicked crowds running for cover.
  • The gunman fled the scene after a brief standoff with the police.
  • The gunman was apprehended by the authorities following a tense siege that lasted several hours.

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