machine-gunner

A soldier operates as a machine-gunner during a training exercise.

Definition

Noun: A "machine-gunner" is a person who operates a machine gun, typically in a military context. This individual is responsible for firing, maintaining, and positioning the weapon during combat or training.

Usage Examples

• (A soldier operating a machine gun to protect others.)
• (A gunner who uses sustained fire to keep opponents from moving or shooting.)
• (A person who learns to handle a machine gun as a military role.)

Advanced Usage

• "to act as a machine-gunner": to perform the duties of operating a machine gun.

  • In the squad, she acted as a machine-gunner during the exercise. (She took on the role of firing the machine gun.)

• "machine-gunner's nest": a fortified position where a machine-gunner is stationed.

  • The enemy machine-gunner's nest was hidden behind a ridge. (A concealed location from which a machine gun is fired.)

Variants and Related Words

• Machine-gun (n): a fully automatic firearm that fires bullets in rapid succession.
  • The soldier carried a heavy machine-gun. (The weapon itself.)
• Machine-gun (v): to shoot with a machine gun or to fire rapidly.
  • The helicopter machine-gunned the convoy. (To attack using a machine gun.)
• Gunner (n): a person who operates a gun or artillery piece.
  • The gunner aimed the cannon at the target. (A broader term for anyone firing a weapon.)

Synonyms

• Gunner: a military person who fires a weapon, especially a large one.
• Shooter: a person who shoots a firearm (less specific to machine guns).
• Operator: a person who controls a piece of equipment, including a machine gun.

Related Idioms

• "Stick to one's guns": to maintain one's position or opinion despite opposition (not directly related to machine-gunner, but uses "guns").
  • Even under pressure, the machine-gunner stuck to his guns. (He remained firm in his role or decision.)

Phrasal Verbs (with "gun")

• Gun down: to shoot someone with a gun, especially a machine gun.
  • The machine-gunner gunned down the advancing troops. (He shot them repeatedly.)
• Gun for: to pursue or attack someone with a gun, or to aim for a goal.
  • The enemy was gunning for the machine-gunner. (They were targeting him specifically.)