ghost gun
noun
plural ghost guns
: a gun that lacks a serial number by which it can be identified and that is typically assembled by the user (as from purchased or homemade components)
Ghost guns, cobbled together with various parts often purchased separately, are popular among hobbyists and firearms enthusiasts.—
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Post-DispatchThe issue centers on so-called ghost guns, which consist of untraceable parts that can be ordered online and then, with a little finishing work, assembled into a working firearm.—Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles TimesEven so, they haven't been outlawed; buying or selling a ghost gun is illegal, but making one remains kosher under US gun control laws.—Andy Greenberg
Andy GreenbergExamples of ghost gun in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Since 2018, the NYPD has recovered nearly 2,000 ghost guns.
—Christina Shaw, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2025
The county has seen a 57% year-over-year increase in the recovery of ghost guns.
—Nick Stewart, Baltimore Sun, 8 Feb. 2025
Authorities say a ghost gun, silencer and writings expressing ill will were found on Mangione and link him to the crime.
—Filip Timotija, The Hill, 18 Apr. 2025
San Diego County has gone after other industries in recent years, including opioid manufacturers and the maker of a milling machine the county argues can be used to make unregistered firearms known as ghost guns.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ghost gun
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Christina Shaw, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2025
The county has seen a 57% year-over-year increase in the recovery of ghost guns.
—Nick Stewart, Baltimore Sun, 8 Feb. 2025
Authorities say a ghost gun, silencer and writings expressing ill will were found on Mangione and link him to the crime.
—Filip Timotija, The Hill, 18 Apr. 2025
San Diego County has gone after other industries in recent years, including opioid manufacturers and the maker of a milling machine the county argues can be used to make unregistered firearms known as ghost guns.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ghost gun
Cite this Entry
“Ghost gun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ghost%20gun. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.
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