- 1[countable] a weapon that is used for firing bullets or shells to fire a gun at someone a toy gun antiaircraft guns Look out, he's got a gun! He pointed/aimed the gun at her head. The police officers drew their guns (= took them out so they were ready to use). She pulled a gun on me (= took out a gun and aimed it at me). The gun went off by accident. The attacker held a gun to the hostage's head. a gun battle between rival gangs see air gun, handgun, machine gun, shotgun, stun gun, submachine gun, tommy gun
- 2[countable] a tool that uses pressure to send out a substance or an object a staple gun see spray gun
- 3the gun [singular] the signal to begin a race, that is made by firing a special gun, called astarting pistol, into the air
- 4[countable] (informal) a person who is paid to shoot someone a hired gun see flashgun, son of a gun Idioms
with a lot of energy and determination The champions came out (with) all guns blazing.
to be doing something quickly and successfully Work is going great guns now.
to force someone to do something that they do not want to do, by making threats
to do something too soon, before the right time
to refuse to change your mind about something even when other people are trying to persuade you that you are wrong
experiencing a lot of pressure I'm really under the gun today.
Check pronunciation: gun