shot

²shot

Definition of SHOT

past and past participle of shoot

¹shot

noun \ˈshät\

Definition of SHOT

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 injection

2

a plural 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 put

3

a : the distance that a missile is or can be thrown

b : range, reach

4

: a charge to be paid : scot

5

: one that shoots; especially : marksman

6

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 interruption

9

: a charge of explosives

10

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>

11

shot 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 guess

2

: an attempt that has little chance of success

Examples of SHOT

1. <cannon operators often had to use several shots to figure out the range of their targets>
2. <let's take another shot at the puzzle>

Origin of SHOT

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to SHOT

Synonyms

blasting, discharge, firing

Related Words

potshot; barrage, blitz, blitzkrieg, bombardment, broadside, burst, cannonade, drumfire, fusillade, hail, salvo, shower, storm, volley

Other Weapons and Explosives Terms

automatic, carbine, cudgel, muzzle, rapier

³shot

adjective

Definition of SHOT

1

a of a fabric : having contrasting and changeable color effects : iridescent

b : suffused or streaked with a color <hair shot with gray>

c : infused or permeated with a quality or element <shot through with wit>

2

: having the form of pellets resembling shot

3

: reduced to a ruined or useless state <his nerves are shot>

Examples of SHOT

1. The tires on the car are shot.

First Known Use of SHOT

1763