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

Other Words from shotgun Example Sentences Learn More about shotgun

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Examples of shotgun in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Police executed a search warrant in the room and said detectives found a shotgun, narcotics and additional property suspected to have been stolen. — Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, "Driver who evaded Concord police after burglary arrested in San Rafael," 1 July 2019 According to authorities, the suspect reportedly walked out of home with a shotgun, and deputies opened fire. — Alison Medley, Houston Chronicle, "Galveston deputies shoot and kill wanted fugitive after hours-long standoff," 29 June 2019 Chatom Ford's advertising offered a shotgun, a Bible and an American flag with a car purchase. — Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, "Ford asks Alabama car dealer to end shotgun giveaway after California shooting," 26 June 2019 Inside the couple's two-bedroom apartment as well as another location, FBI agents found assault rifles, a 12-gauge shotgun, many semi-automatic pistols and revolvers, a silencer, a derringer pistol, multiple hunting knives and bundles of cash. — Pierre Meilhan And Amanda Jackson, CNN, "Whitey Bulger's longtime girlfriend moved out of prison to a halfway house," 19 June 2019 Jacobson was treated at a hospital and released, but authorities got a warrant to search his home and, according to court and police documents, recovered cocaine, a glass pipe, a shotgun, 140 rounds of ammunition, a syringe, and other items. — Christy Gutowski, chicagotribune.com, "‘I let the stress get me,’ says former Hebron mayor, sentenced to probation for night he was found unconscious after drug, alcohol use," 18 June 2019 The search turned up 8 pounds of meth, 100 grams of heroin and fentanyl, 100 grams of marijuana, approximately 1 gallon of GHB, cash, a shotgun, and assorted drug paraphernalia. — Carol Robinson | Crobinson@al.com, al.com, "4 arrested, 8 pounds of meth seized in Lee County drug raid," 14 June 2019 Shaft works the case with a shotgun, from the driver’s seat of a Chevy Chevelle. — Kristen Page-kirby, Twin Cities, "Sequel to blaxploitation classic ‘Shaft’ shifts gears in the age of Uber," 13 June 2019 When searching the couple’s home, police found two shotguns, neither of which were registered with the Department of Public Safety. — Fili Sagapolutele, Cincinnati.com, "Former Bengal faces assault charges in American Samoa," 6 June 2019

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.