shotgun

1 of 2

noun

shot·​gun ˈshät-ˌgən How to pronounce shotgun (audio)
1
: a usually smoothbore shoulder weapon capable of firing shot at short ranges
2
: an offensive football formation in which the quarterback plays a few yards behind the line of scrimmage and the other backs are scattered as flankers or slotbacks
shotgun transitive verb
shotgunner noun

shotgun

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of, relating to, or using a shotgun
2
: involving coercion
3
: covering a wide field with hit-or-miss effectiveness

Examples of shotgun in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Many players had issues with the recoil changes to pistols and shotguns in the patch, and questioned why these were made at all given most weapons seemed to be in a good place. Mike Stubbs, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 Later, troopers found the shotgun in a ditch several miles away, according to officials. Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 22 Feb. 2024 Members of their organization were heavily armed with shotguns, rifles, pistols, revolvers, scopes, a makeshift suppressor and magazines of extra ammunition. Beth Warren, The Courier-Journal, 21 Feb. 2024 Behind a mirror, in a large cutout in the wall, were 10 firearms: seven pistols, an AR 15, an AR 15 pistol and a shotgun, according to the criminal complaint. Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Feb. 2024 The Menendez brothers were convicted of the 1989 shotgun murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty, in their Beverly Hills mansion. Liam Quinn, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024 Two people have been arrested after Nebraska police say a man walked into a bowling alley with a shotgun and killed two men. Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 22 Feb. 2024 Red herrings like the guy with the shotgun who ran and never returned. Paul Tassi, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 Teams can run it with a variety of personnel groupings, on any down, with the quarterback under center or in the shotgun. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2024
Adjective
Last season, Jackson went under center on just five drop-backs, while the Ravens’ primary ball-carriers had just 24 carries in non-shotgun looks. Jonas Shaffer, baltimoresun.com, 3 June 2021 In 2019, in non-shotgun formations, Jackson had 19 drop-backs and combined with Ravens running backs for 27 carries, according to Sports Info Solutions. Jonas Shaffer, baltimoresun.com, 3 June 2021 Lunch and registration begin at 11 a.m., with a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. Post-Tribune, 7 July 2017 Outing highlights include: Registration, lunch and a putting contest (noon) Shotgun start (1:30 p.m.) Dinner (6:30 p.m.) Proximities, skins, awards and a 50/50 raffle Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the event. Megan Becka, cleveland.com, 13 June 2017 Outing highlights include: Registration, lunch and a putting contest (noon) Shotgun start (1:30 p.m.) Dinner (6:30 p.m.) Proximities, skins, awards and a 50/50 raffle Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the event. Megan Becka, cleveland.com, 13 June 2017 Check-in at 11 a.m. followed by 1 p.m. shotgun start. Nick Roth, The Mercury News, 7 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shotgun.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shotgun was in 1776

Dictionary Entries Near shotgun

Cite this Entry

“Shotgun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shotgun. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

shotgun

noun
shot·​gun
ˈshät-ˌgən
: a firearm used to fire small shot at short range
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!