gun

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: A2 — Elementary

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
  2. noun large but transportable armament
  3. noun a person who shoots a gun (as regards their ability)

Etymology

From Middle English gunne, gonne, possibly from Gunnhild, a female given name formerly used as a nickname for engines of war (compare Nordic Gunn, a female name meaning “battle”). The name is composed of the Norse elements gunnr and hildr, both meaning "battle".

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