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noun Uncommon

gunpowder

GUHN-pow-duh

Gunpowder (noun) means an explosive powder mixture, traditionally made from charcoal, sulphur, and saltpetre, used in firearms and fireworks. Example: “The old cannon was loaded with gunpowder and a cannonball.”

noun
1
An explosive powder mixture, traditionally made from charcoal, sulphur, and saltpetre, used in firearms and fireworks.
"The old cannon was loaded with gunpowder and a cannonball."

How to Use Gunpowder

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe explosive powder used to fire bullets and cannonballs, and to make fireworks.

Common pairings
gunpowder plot keg of gunpowder

Word Forms

gunpowdered past tense, gunpowders singular

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Fill the Gap

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The old cannon was loaded with _____ and a cannonball.

Etymology

From gun + powder.

Related Words

Rhymes for gunpowder

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “gunpowder” mean?

The word “gunpowder” means an explosive powder mixture, traditionally made from charcoal, sulphur, and saltpetre, used in firearms and fireworks. In plain terms, the explosive powder used to fire bullets and cannonballs, and to make fireworks.

How do you pronounce “gunpowder”?

“Gunpowder” is pronounced GUHN-pow-duh (/ˈɡʌnˌpaʊdɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “gunpowder” in a sentence?

Here is “gunpowder” used in a sentence: “The old cannon was loaded with gunpowder and a cannonball.”

What part of speech is “gunpowder”?

“Gunpowder” is a noun.

Is “gunpowder” a common word?

“Gunpowder” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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