Main Entry:

¹shot

Pronunciation:

\ˈshät\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Old English sceot, scot; akin to Old High German scuz, Old Norse skot shot, Old English scēotan to shoot — more at shoot

Date:

before 12th century

1 a: an action of shooting b: a directed propelling of a missile ; specifically : a directed discharge of a firearm c (1): a stroke or throw in an attempt to score points in a game (as tennis, pool, or basketball) ; also : home run (2): ability to shoot <has the best shot on the team> d: blast 5a e: a medical or narcotics injection2 aplural shot : something propelled by shooting ; especially : small lead or steel pellets especially forming a charge for a shotgun b: a metal sphere of iron or brass that is heaved in the shot put3 a: the distance that a missile is or can be thrown b: range, reach4: a charge to be paid : scot5: one that shoots ; especially : marksman6 a: attempt, try <give it a shot> b: guess, conjecture c: chance 4a <a shot at winning the prize> d: a single appearance as an entertainer <did a guest shot for the program>7: an effective remark ; especially : swipe 2 <a parting shot>8 a: a single photographic exposure ; especially : snapshot b: a single sequence of a motion picture or a television program shot by one camera without interruption9: a charge of explosives10 a: a small measure or serving (as one ounce) of undiluted liquor or other beverage <vodka shots> <a shot of espresso> b: a small amount applied at one time : dose <a shot of fertilizer> <a shot of humor>11shot plural : sprinkles, jimmies

— a shot

: for each one : apiece

— like a shot

: very rapidly

— shot in the arm

: stimulus, boost

— shot in the dark

1: a wild guess2: an attempt that has little chance of success