scattergun

noun or adjective

scat·​ter·​gun ˈska-tər-ˌgən 

: shotgun

Examples of scattergun in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There was a scattergun approach towards defensive targets and a shift from targeting permanent deals to loans. — Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp ushered in that transition over many years of careful, targeted spending on two to three key players each summer rather than scattergun recruitment. — Steve Kornacki, NBC news, 1 May 2026

Unlike the scattergun approach of traditional OEMs, Longbow will be targeted, launching country by country. — Richard Aucock, Robb Report, 15 Jan. 2026

For Garcia, who joined in 2022, the mission was to modernize carefully and slowly, as opposed to a scattergun embrace of trends. — Lela London, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above