gunpoint

noun

gun·​point ˈgən-ˌpȯint How to pronounce gunpoint (audio)
: the muzzle of a gun
Phrases
at gunpoint
: under a threat of death by being shot

Examples of gunpoint 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.
In his book, Guinn writes that Brunner and several other Family members held up a Western Surplus Store at gunpoint in 1971, stealing roughly 140 guns to aid them in a plan to hijack a plane and demand that Manson be freed from prison. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 7 Mar. 2025 Police are searching for a suspect accused of robbing a bank at gunpoint in Groton on Wednesday. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 6 Mar. 2025 Notably, this trend isn’t just limited to the North Side — in Hyde Park on the South Side, three University of Chicago students walking together early on Saturday morning were robbed at gunpoint. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025 The off-duty officer ran outside toward the gunfire and held Godfrey at gunpoint until police arrived, authorities said. Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gunpoint

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunpoint was in 1951

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gunpoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunpoint. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

gunpoint

noun
gun·​point ˈgən-ˌpȯint How to pronounce gunpoint (audio)
: the muzzle of a gun

More from Merriam-Webster on gunpoint

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!