He worried that asking another question would make him look like a gunner.
Gunner Harris reported to the battery commander.
The coach praised the gunner for the open-field tackle.
Everyone noticed the gunner in the front row.
Several gunners from the battery received awards.
Similar words
shooter
cannoneer
striver
coverage player
artilleryman
fowler
ranker
marksman
try-hard
cannoneer
Meanings
Operator of a gun
noun
technical
neutral
A person in the armed forces who aims, fires, or helps operate a gun, cannon, or other weapon system.
Examples
The tank gunner waited for the command to fire.
A rear gunner protected the aircraft from attack.
The crew trained the new gunner on the weapon system.
The gunner adjusted the sights before the shot.
Each gunner had to know the safety procedure.
Similar words
artilleryman
shooter
marksman
cannoneer
machine gunner
operator
crewman
firearms specialist
Artillery rank or title
noun
technical
technical
A rank or occupational title in some artillery forces, especially a rank equivalent to private in Commonwealth artillery units.
Examples
He enlisted as a gunner in the artillery.
Gunner Harris reported to the battery commander.
In that regiment, gunner is an entry-level rank.
The document listed her rank as gunner.
Several gunners from the battery received awards.
Similar words
artilleryman
private
ranker
cannoneer
serviceman
soldier
Hunter with a gun
noun
sports
neutral
A person who hunts or shoots game using a gun.
Examples
The old gunner knew the marsh well.
Duck gunners arrived before sunrise.
The guide warned every gunner to follow the safety rules.
A careful gunner waits for a clear shot.
Local gunners met at the lodge after the hunt.
Similar words
hunter
shooter
sportsman
marksman
fowler
Special-teams football player
noun
sports
neutral
In American football, a player on kickoffs or punts who runs downfield quickly to tackle the returner or limit the return.
Examples
The gunner sprinted down the sideline on the punt.
Two gunners lined up wide before the snap.
The return team double-teamed the gunner.
A fast gunner can force a fair catch.
The coach praised the gunner for the open-field tackle.
Similar words
coverage player
special teamer
flyer
shooter
coverage specialist
Overcompetitive student
noun
everyday
slang
A very ambitious student, especially in medical or law school, who tries aggressively to get top grades or stand out.
Examples
Everyone noticed the gunner in the front row.
He worried that asking another question would make him look like a gunner.
The class used gunner as a teasing label.
A gunner may compete for every extra point.
She studied hard without acting like a gunner.
Similar words
overachiever
striver
grade grubber
keener
grind
try-hard
Etymology
Formed in Middle English from gun plus the agent suffix -er, meaning a person associated with a gun. The military sense is recorded from the 14th century, and later uses grew from the same idea of a person who shoots, operates, or aggressively pursues a goal.
FAQ
What does gunner mean?
It usually means someone who operates or aims a gun. It can also name an artillery rank, a hunter, a football coverage player, or an overcompetitive student.
Is gunner a military word?
Yes. The main sense is military, especially a person who operates a gun, cannon, or weapon system.
What is a gunner in American football?
A gunner is a special-teams player who runs downfield on punts or kickoffs to tackle the returner or limit the return.
What does gunner mean in school slang?
It means a highly competitive student who tries hard to get top grades or stand out, often in a way others find excessive.
Is gunner capitalized?
Usually no. Capitalize it only as part of an official title, direct address, name, or team nickname.
What is the plural of gunner?
The plural is gunners.
What is the difference between gunner and shooter?
Shooter is broader. Gunner usually suggests a military, crew, hunting, football, or slang role.
Comments & contributions
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