noun
gunpowder
GUHN-pow-duh
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
Word Forms
gunpowdered past tense, gunpowders singular
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The old cannon was loaded with _____ and a cannonball.
Etymology
From gun + powder.