gunpowder

noun

gun·​pow·​der ˈgən-ˌpau̇-dər How to pronounce gunpowder (audio)
: an explosive mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur used in gunnery and blasting
broadly : any of various powders used in guns as propelling charges

Examples of gunpowder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The chemical plant produces gunpowder for Russia's Kh-59 cruise missiles. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025 The small explosion by the device, which appeared to be a pipe filled with gunpowder, injured two people in the hall in Wakayama, a port city south of Osaka. Martin Fackler, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025 For two centuries, the waltz has collided with gunpowder and, more lately, AI, in ways that have shaped culture and society. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024 The facility is known for upholding Russia's military industry by producing gunpowder, manufacturing parts for rockets and explosives, and producing ammunition. David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gunpowder

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunpowder was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Gunpowder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunpowder. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

gunpowder

noun
gun·​pow·​der -ˌpau̇d-ər How to pronounce gunpowder (audio)
: an explosive mixture used in guns and blasting

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