guns: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal for muscular usage; otherwise neutral.
Quick answer
What does “guns” mean?
A weapon consisting of a metal tube from which bullets, shells, or other projectiles are fired.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A weapon consisting of a metal tube from which bullets, shells, or other projectiles are fired.
The word is also used to refer to a person's well-developed muscles, especially the biceps (colloquial). Can signify power, conflict, or threat when used metaphorically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the primary meaning, usage is largely identical. The muscular sense ('show off his guns') is more prevalent in American English but understood in British English.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word carries strong connotations of violence, power, and, in the US particularly, Second Amendment rights. The muscular metaphor is informal and often humorous.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to cultural prevalence of gun-related discourse and Second Amendment debates.
Grammar
How to Use “guns” in a Sentence
VERB + guns (e.g., 'carry guns', 'fire guns')ADJ. + guns (e.g., 'automatic guns', 'illegal guns')PREP. + guns (e.g., 'with guns', 'over guns')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “guns” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He gunned the engine impatiently at the traffic lights.
- The security team were gunning for any potential intruders.
American English
- She gunned it down the highway to make her flight.
- The prosecutor is really gunning for the CEO.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form. 'Gun-first' as a compound might appear: 'a gun-first approach')
American English
- (No standard adverbial form. 'Gun-shy' is an adjective meaning hesitant.)
adjective
British English
- The gun lobby is less prominent here.
- It was a gun-free zone.
American English
- Gun rights are a major political issue.
- He had a gun-safe in his basement.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'We need to bring out the big guns for this negotiation.'
Academic
In political science or sociology papers discussing gun control, crime statistics, or militia movements.
Everyday
Discussing hobbies like shooting sports, news about crime, or commenting on someone's physique informally.
Technical
In military, law enforcement, or firearms engineering contexts specifying types, mechanisms, or ballistics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “guns”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “guns”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “guns”
- Using 'gun' as a countable noun without an article incorrectly (e.g., 'He has gun' vs. 'He has a gun/guns').
- Confusing 'gun' with 'canon' (a rule or principle) or 'cannon' (a large mounted gun).
- Overusing the plural 'guns' when a singular event is described (e.g., 'A gun was fired' is more precise than 'Guns were fired' for a single shot).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in informal contexts referring to muscular arms ('He's showing off his guns') and in sports shooting as a hobby. Metaphorically, 'big guns' can be positive for powerful allies.
'Firearms' is the more formal, legal, and technical term. 'Guns' is the common, everyday term. 'Guns' can also have the informal muscular meaning, which 'firearms' does not.
It is informal and humorous, not inherently offensive, but like any body-related comment, it depends on context and relationship. It's best used casually among friends.
The pronunciation of the word 'guns' follows a standard pattern where the vowel /ʌ/ and the consonants /ɡ/, /n/, /z/ are pronounced virtually identically in both major dialects.
A weapon consisting of a metal tube from which bullets, shells, or other projectiles are fired.
Guns is usually informal for muscular usage; otherwise neutral. in register.
Guns: in British English it is pronounced /ɡʌnz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡʌnz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “jump the gun (act prematurely)”
- “stick to one's guns (maintain one's position)”
- “big guns (powerful people or arguments)”
- “guns blazing (with great force and aggression)”
- “son of a gun (a person, often expressing surprise or mild annoyance)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GUNS: Greatly Used in National Stories (think of major news topics).
Conceptual Metaphor
GUNS ARE TOOLS OF POWER/CONTROL. GUNS ARE SOURCES OF CONFLICT. MUSCLES ARE WEAPONS ('guns' for biceps).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary metaphorical meaning of 'bring out the big guns'?