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 notesIn plain EnglishThe explosive powder used to fire bullets and cannonballs, and to make fireworks.
Common pairings
gunpowder plot
keg of gunpowder
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- gunpowders
- Past tense
- gunpowdered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old cannon was loaded with _____ and a cannonball.
Etymology
From gun + powder.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for gunpowder
See all rhymes for gunpowder →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.
