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.
The uncle of Jamal White, the 7-year-old Milwaukee boy who was found after being abducted at gunpoint, is facing criminal charges for allegedly firing a gun during the search for the child. David Clarey, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025 The customer followed her and held her at gunpoint until police arrived. Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 15 July 2025 Following his conviction, DNA evidence connected him to raping a teacher at gunpoint at school in 1997. Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 13 July 2025 In one of several robberies, his employees were held at gunpoint, tied up and locked in a bathroom, while the thieves took money from the cash register. Fabiola Sánchez, Fortune, 11 July 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 21 Jul. 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

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