gun rights

plural noun

US politics
: legal rights that allow civilians to own, use, and sell guns
supporters of gun rights
often used before another noun
gun rights advocates/groups

Note: The term gun rights often suggests support for an interpretation of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that favors broad rights to gun ownership.

Examples of gun rights 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.
Rob Doar with the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus said civil unrest and adverse language toward gun rights from political leaders are the two biggest reasons that gun sales and carry permit applications increase. Jason Rantala, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026 The law has survived multiple reviews and reconsiderations of gun rights and gun control legislation. Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026 Outside of music, Gilbert has been known for his gun rights advocacy. Chris Willman, Variety, 7 Feb. 2026 The response brought pushback from gun rights activists and the National Rifle Association because Pretti was a licensed owner. Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 5 Feb. 2026 Conservatives’ selective support for gun rights has historic precedent. Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026 His death has roiled activists, gun rights groups and lawmakers, both Democrats and Republicans. Karen Brooks Harper, Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 2026 Comments that Pretti shouldn't have had his gun with him have rankled gun rights groups. Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026 Some gun rights groups have pushed back on officials’ comments about Pretti having a gun. Jared Gans, The Hill, 29 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gun rights was in 1964

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Cite this Entry

“Gun rights.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gun%20rights. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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