shooting

noun

shoot·​ing ˈshü-tiŋ How to pronounce shooting (audio)
plural shootings
Synonyms of shootingnext
1
: the act of shooting a gun
But shooting is many a man's choice, especially up at the great hunting clubs like Choctaw Bluff …Harriet de Rosišre
2
: an instance of gun violence directed toward a person or group of people
a drive-by shooting
mass shootings
… a clutch of outspoken student activists flipped the national script on school shootings in America.Dahlia Lithwick
3
: the act of photographing or filming someone or something
A large fan specially designed to create the effect of wind during shooting.Ira Konigsberg
That part of filmmaking that comes immediately after the shooting is completed …Ira Konigsberg

Examples of shooting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
From the early challenge that reversed Wembanyama's foul, to its 3-point shooting, absolutely everything has gone San Antonio's way in Game 4. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 11 June 2026 One person is dead after a shooting in Pittsburgh's Sheraden neighborhood on Wednesday night. Michael Guise, CBS News, 11 June 2026 One man is dead after a shooting inside a Kansas City gas station on Wednesday afternoon. Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026 Authorities said the shooting stemmed from a dispute between the groups. Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shooting

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shooting was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shooting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shooting. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

Medical Definition

shooting

adjective
shoot·​ing
: characterized by sudden sharp piercing sensations
shooting pains

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