gunner: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, Military
Quick answer
What does “gunner” mean?
A person who operates or fires a gun, especially in a military context.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who operates or fires a gun, especially in a military context.
A member of a sports team whose primary role is to shoot or score points, most commonly in football (soccer) or basketball; a person with a very aggressive or determined attitude towards achieving a goal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'gunner' has a specific military rank meaning (e.g., 'Bombardier' in the Royal Artillery). In American English, it's less formal and used more in sports slang. The metaphorical 'gunner' (aggressive, ambitious person) is more common in US academic/professional slang.
Connotations
UK: Strong military association; can be a formal job title. US: Often informal, suggesting aggressive ambition in sports or academics.
Frequency
More frequent in US English in the extended, metaphorical sense (e.g., 'classroom gunner').
Grammar
How to Use “gunner” in a Sentence
[be] a gunner for [team/organization][serve as] a gunner on [platform/unit]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gunner” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The squad was gunning for the enemy position.
- He's been gunning for promotion all year.
American English
- She's gunning to be the valedictorian.
- The linebacker was gunning for the quarterback.
adverb
British English
- He played gunner, taking every shot available.
- She argued gunner, dominating the debate.
American English
- He studied gunner, aiming for the highest grades.
- She went after the deal gunner.
adjective
British English
- A gunner mentality is essential in this regiment.
- His gunner approach to sales is effective.
American English
- She has a real gunner attitude in class.
- The team needs a more gunner mindset to win.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; metaphorically for an aggressive salesperson ('He's our top sales gunner').
Academic
Slang in US law/business schools for an overly competitive student who dominates discussion.
Everyday
Mostly refers to a football player known for scoring goals (UK) or a military role.
Technical
Specific to military roles on aircraft, ships, or artillery units.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gunner”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gunner”
- Confusing 'gunner' with 'hunter'. Using it for any soldier instead of specifically one who operates a large weapon.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its origin and core meaning is military, it is widely used in sports (especially football) and as informal slang for an aggressively ambitious person.
'Gunner' implies a formal role, often with a large, mounted weapon or in a team sport. 'Shooter' is more general and can refer to anyone using a firearm or camera.
Not directly. The verb is 'to gun' (as in 'gunning for something'). 'Gunner' itself is a noun.
It depends on context. In sports/military, it's usually neutral or positive. In academic/professional slang (especially US), it can be slightly negative, implying selfish ambition.
A person who operates or fires a gun, especially in a military context.
Gunner is usually informal, military in register.
Gunner: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡʌnə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡʌnər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “loose cannon (related, but not direct)”
- “trigger-happy (related connotation)”
- “gunner's seat (metaphorical for a position of control/aggression)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GUN + -ER. A person who uses a GUN. In sports, they 'shoot' for goal.
Conceptual Metaphor
AMBITION IS AGGRESSION / SCORING IS SHOOTING (e.g., 'He's a real gunner in the boardroom').
Practice
Quiz
In US academic slang, a 'gunner' is best described as: