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Definition of gunpowder

gunpowder

/ˈɡʌnˌpaʊ.dɚ/
gun · pow · der
Plural:gunpowders
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gunpowder Lexical Profile

gunpowder Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An explosive mixture of potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal, historically used as a propellant in firearms, artillery, and fireworks.

Example

"The invention of gunpowder in ancient China fundamentally changed the course of global military history."

2

A type of fine green tea from China in which each individual leaf is tightly rolled into a small round pellet.

Example

"She brewed a strong pot of gunpowder and watched the tightly coiled green leaves unfurl in the hot water."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gunpowder

• Nearby Words

gunmetal
gunnel
gunnera
gunpowder
gunwale
guppy
gurnard

Word Origin & Etymology

Late Middle English (early 15th century), formed by compounding 'gun' and 'powder', reflecting its primary historical use as a propellant for early firearms.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gunpowder. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 17, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gunpowder
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