gunz: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal for weaponry; Informal/Slang for muscles.
Quick answer
What does “gunz” mean?
Weapons designed to discharge projectiles through a barrel, typically using an explosive charge.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Weapons designed to discharge projectiles through a barrel, typically using an explosive charge.
Colloquially, can refer to a person's well-developed arm muscles (slang). Also used in various idioms and compound forms (e.g., 'gun control', 'starting gun').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The slang term for muscles ('guns') is slightly more established in American English. Terminology around specific types (e.g., 'rifle' vs 'shotgun') is shared.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word carries heavy cultural and political connotations related to crime, rights, and safety. The intensity of these connotations is generally higher in American discourse.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English media and public discourse due to prominence of gun-related debates.
Grammar
How to Use “gunz” in a Sentence
The government banned [certain types of] guns.He was arrested for carrying [a] gun.They debated [new] gun [laws].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gunz” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The engine was finally gunning smoothly.
- He gunned down the escaped convict.
American English
- She gunned the engine and sped off.
- The suspect was gunned in the alley.
adverb
British English
- This usage is not standard. 'Gun-related' is adjectival.
American English
- This usage is not standard. 'Gun-shy' is adjectival.
adjective
British English
- Gun crime has risen in the region.
- He attended a gun safety course.
American English
- The gun lobby is very powerful.
- She is a gun rights advocate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like defense manufacturing or security ('arms business').
Academic
Common in political science, sociology, criminology, and law discussions ('studies on gun violence').
Everyday
Common in news and political discussions. Slang for muscles is informal/colloquial.
Technical
Used in military, law enforcement, and ballistic contexts with precise classifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gunz”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gunz”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gunz”
- Using 'guns' as a singular noun (e.g., 'a guns' is incorrect). Confusing 'gun' with 'canon' in historical contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'guns' is strictly plural. The singular is 'gun'.
'Gun' is a broad category. A 'rifle' is a specific type of long gun with a rifled barrel for accuracy.
It is informal and not inherently offensive, but context matters. It would be inappropriate in formal settings.
Yes, commonly meaning to accelerate an engine ('gun it') or to shoot someone ('gunned down').
Weapons designed to discharge projectiles through a barrel, typically using an explosive charge.
Gunz is usually formal for weaponry; informal/slang for muscles. in register.
Gunz: 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”
- “Under the gun”
- “Stick to your guns”
- “Big guns”
- “Gun for someone”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine 'GU-N-S' as 'Great Uprising Needs Safety' - historically linking weapons to conflict and protection.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEAPONS ARE TOOLS OF POWER/AUTHORITY, WEAPONS ARE ARGUMENTS (e.g., 'big guns' in a debate).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'guns' in the sentence: 'He's been lifting weights and now he's showing off his guns.'?