English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun Uncommon

Gunner

GUHN-uh

Gunner (noun) means a soldier who operates artillery or a mounted gun. Example: “He served as a gunner on a tank crew during the war.”

noun
1
A soldier who operates artillery or a mounted gun.
"He served as a gunner on a tank crew during the war."
2
A person who operates any kind of gun or gun-like tool.
"The gunner on the fishing boat fired the harpoon."
3
Informal: an extremely ambitious or overeager person.
"He's a total gunner, always the first to volunteer for extra work."
4
A supporter or player of Arsenal Football Club, whose nickname is "the Gunners".
"Thousands of gunners packed the stadium for the derby."

How to use Gunner

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who operates a gun (especially in the military) — or, informally, an overly ambitious go-getter, or an Arsenal fan.

When to use it

The "overeager person" sense is informal slang, common in student and workplace settings.

Word forms

Gunners plural, gunners plural, gunners plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “Gunner” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He served as a _____ on a tank crew during the war.

Etymology

From gun, referring to someone who operates one.

cannoneer artilleryman machine gunner

Related words

Rhymes for Gunner

See all rhymes for Gunner →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Gunner” mean?

The word “Gunner” means a soldier who operates artillery or a mounted gun. In plain terms, someone who operates a gun (especially in the military) — or, informally, an overly ambitious go-getter, or an Arsenal fan.

How do you pronounce “Gunner”?

“Gunner” is pronounced GUHN-uh (/ˈɡʌn.ɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “Gunner” in a sentence?

Here is “Gunner” used in a sentence: “He served as a gunner on a tank crew during the war.”

What part of speech is “Gunner”?

“Gunner” is a noun.

Is “Gunner” a common word?

“Gunner” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “Gunner” have?

“Gunner” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a soldier who operates artillery or a mounted gun.

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial