shotgun

noun

shot·gun | \ ˈshät-ˌgən

Definition of shotgun

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

adjective

Definition of shotgun (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : of, relating to, or using a shotgun

2 : involving coercion

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

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Examples of shotgun in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Marlin Lattereal Royal, who killed a man with a shotgun blast in Spring Valley 11 years ago, was sentenced Friday to 105 years in state prison. — Pauline Repard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Man sent to prison for 105 years for 2007 Spring Valley murder," 13 July 2018 Police said at least two shotgun blasts were fired. — Janelle Walker, Elgin Courier-News, "Family of man who shot 3 officers in South Elgin standoff says he was distraught with health, financial woes," 10 July 2018 RoboCop In 1987, director Paul Verhoeven and screenwriters Edward Neumeier and Michael Miner delivered a shotgun blast of dark comedy, social satire, and mind-numbing violence with RoboCop. — Tasha Robinson, The Verge, "10 subversive, dark American futures to stream on July 4th," 4 July 2018 The rampage began with a shotgun blast that shattered the glass entrance to the open newsroom. — CBS News, "People honor five slain in newsroom attack in strikingly silent march," 30 June 2018 According to the criminal complaint, Pogreba pointed a gun in his wife's face during an argument and dragged her outside their home, where their son came to her defense and fired a shotgun at Pogreba. — Jim Riccioli, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Eagle man charged in violent dispute with wife, multi-state manhunt pleads not guilty," 29 June 2018 Venom is like a shotgun blast to the intricate inner workings of a watch. — Kyle Dickman, Outside Online, "A Rattle with Death in Yosemite," 20 June 2018 Police responded to the 200 block of 21st Street, across Balboa Boulevard from the Newport Pier, shortly before 9:30 a.m. following a report of a man firing a shotgun in the area. — Hillary Davis, latimes.com, "Man arrested after a shooting at Newport shipyard; 1 person injured," 12 June 2018 John Hardeman III, who worked for a pest control business, died from a shotgun blast to his face. — Marc Freeman, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Teen killer of newlyweds gets new life sentences, but door still open for possible release," 11 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

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

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.