gun
1a weapon consisting of a metal tube, with mechanical attachments, from which projectiles are shot by the force of an explosive; a piece of ordnance.
any portable firearm, as a rifle, shotgun, or revolver.
a long-barreled cannon having a relatively flat trajectory.
any device for shooting something under pressure: a paint gun; a staple gun.
Slang. a person whose profession is killing; professional killer: a gangland gun.
British. a member of a shooting party.
Slang.
(esp. in baseball) a player’s throwing arm.
guns, the biceps or triceps of the arms: his big, muscular guns.
to shoot with a gun (often followed by down): The guards gunned down the fleeing convict.
to cause (an engine, vehicle, aircraft, etc.) to increase in speed very quickly by increasing the supply of fuel.
to hunt with a gun.
to shoot with a gun.
gun for,
to seek with intent to harm or kill.
to seek; try earnestly to obtain: He is gunning for a raise.
Idioms about gun
give the gun, Slang. to put into motion or speed up: We gave the motor the gun and drove off.
jump the gun, Slang.
to begin a race before the starting signal.
to begin prematurely; act too hastily.
spike someone's guns, to frustrate or prevent someone from accomplishing a plan: Our competitors planned a surprise reduction in their rates, but we discovered it and were able to spike their guns.
stick to one's guns, to maintain one's position in the face of opposition; stand firm: They stuck to their guns and refused to submit.: Also stand by one's guns.
under the gun, under pressure, as to meet a deadline or solve a problem: We're all under the gun with these new sales quotas.
Origin of gun
1Other words from gun
- gunless, adjective
Other definitions for gun (2 of 3)
past participle of gin3.
Other definitions for gun. (3 of 3)
gunnery.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for gun
/ (ɡʌn) /
a weapon with a metallic tube or barrel from which a missile is discharged, usually by force of an explosion. It may be portable or mounted. In a military context the term applies specifically to a flat-trajectory artillery piece
(as modifier): a gun barrel
the firing of a gun as a salute or signal, as in military ceremonial
a member of or a place in a shooting party or syndicate
any device used to project something under pressure: a grease gun; a spray gun
US slang an armed criminal; gunman
Australian and NZ slang
an expert
(as modifier): a gun shearer; a gun batsman
go great guns slang to act or function with great speed, intensity, etc
jump the gun or beat the gun
(of a runner, etc) to set off before the starting signal is given
informal to act prematurely
spike someone's guns See spike 1 (def. 15)
stick to one's guns informal to maintain one's opinions or intentions in spite of opposition
(when tr, often foll by down) to shoot (someone) with a gun
(tr) to press hard on the accelerator of (an engine): to gun the engine of a car
(intr) to hunt with a gun
Origin of gun
1- See also gun for
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with gun
In addition to the idiom beginning with gun
- gun for
- gung ho
also see:
- at gunpoint
- big cheese (gun)
- great guns
- hired gun
- hold a gun to someone's head
- jump the gun
- smoking gun
- son of a bitch (gun)
- stick to one's guns
- under the gun
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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