gunfire

word

/ˈɡənˌfaɪɝ/
GUHN-fyr
/ɡˈʌnfaɪə/
GUHN-fyr

Definition

The repeated shooting of guns, especially in battles or violent situations. It refers to the sound or act of firing weapons.

Usage & Nuances

Used in both formal news reports and casual speech to describe the collective sound or action of guns being fired. Common with 'exchange of gunfire', 'heavy gunfire', or 'hear gunfire'. It usually suggests multiple shots, not just a single one.

Example Sentences

The soldiers stopped when the gunfire ended.

basic

Suddenly, gunfire broke out in the street.

basic

There was a lot of gunfire during the battle.

natural

People ran for cover as gunfire echoed through the city.

natural

Just after midnight, we woke up to the sound of gunfire.

natural

We heard gunfire last night near our house.

basic