shotgun

noun shot·gun \ ˈshät-ˌgən \

|Updated on: 6 Jul 2018

Definition of shotgun

1 : a smoothbore shoulder weapon for 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

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shotgun

transitive verb

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shotgunner

play \ˈshät-ˌgə-nər\ noun

See shotgun defined for English-language learners

See shotgun defined for kids

Recent Examples of shotgun from the Web

That means addressing the loopholes that allowed the shooter to legally purchase a pump-action shotgun that allegedly killed five people and injured two more, despite his history of a harassment conviction.

— jennie neufeld, Vox, "A Capital Gazette shooting survivor doesn’t want your thoughts and prayers," 2 July 2018
In February, my attention was drawn to Building 191, a shotgun-style edifice slated for demolition at the east end of Liberty Station.

— logan jenkins, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Cliff-hanger update: 3 damsels no longer distressed," 2 July 2018
In the days since a man armed with smoke grenades and a shotgun attacked journalists working in the Capital Gazette's newspaper building, people have added flowers, American flags, balloons and notes to a makeshift memorial.

— angela forburger, azcentral, "'We will not be silenced': Reporter at vigil for 5 slain in Capital Gazette shooting," 1 July 2018
The chief said Ramos' shotgun was legally purchased about a year ago despite his guilty plea in the harassment case.

— CBS News, "People honor five slain in newsroom attack in strikingly silent march," 30 June 2018
Police have confirmed the suspect was killed in the shooting after pulling a shotgun on officers.

— caroline blackmon, Detroit Free Press, "Report: Waterford police fatally shoot man who pulled gun on officers," 29 June 2018
An altercation erupted into gunfire in east Baytown Thursday evening, sending a teen and a man to the hospital with shotgun wounds, police said.

— robert avery, Houston Chronicle, "Pony 14-year-old all-stars rocked by Baytown 16-3," 29 June 2018
According to the sheriff’s office, agents seized: approximately 30,000 rounds of ammunition; 15 pistols; three revolvers; nine hunting and military style rifles; two shotguns; an ammunition reloading machine and several pounds of black powder.

— doug phillips, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Ex-con wasn't allowed to have guns but had 29 firearms and 30,000 rounds of ammo, cops say," 29 June 2018
When Brooks stopped for the log, Boblit stepped out of the shadows with a double-barrel shotgun.

— Longreads, "The Bungled Bank Robbery That Ended in a Landmark Legal Ruling," 26 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shotgun.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of shotgun

1776

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

shotgun

adjective

Definition of shotgun

1 : of, relating to, or using a shotgun

2 : involving coercion

3 : covering a wide field with hit-or-miss effectiveness

Recent Examples of shotgun from the Web

Lunch and registration begin at 11 a.m., with a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start.

— Post-Tribune, "Community calendar," 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, "Akron Snow Angels to hold golf outing fundraiser," 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, "Akron Snow Angels to hold golf outing fundraiser," 13 June 2017
Check-in at 11 a.m. followed by 1 p.m. shotgun start.

— nick roth, The Mercury News, "Golf events, tournaments, fundraisers," 7 June 2017

First Known Use of shotgun

1892

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

SHOTGUN Defined for English Language Learners

shotgun

noun

Definition of shotgun for English Language Learners

: a gun with a long barrel that shoots a large number of small metal balls (called buckshot)
American football : an offensive formation in which the quarterback is a few yards behind the line of scrimmage at the start of a play