shoots; shot
ˈʃɑːt 
; shooting
; shooting
1
a
: to cause a bullet, arrow, etc., to move forward with great force from a weapon
Does this gun shoot accurately?
Don't shoot. I surrender.
He shot at the deer.
The enemy was shooting at the rescue helicopter.
The sniper was shooting to kill. [=shooting with the purpose of killing someone]
She shot the arrow into the air.
I tried shooting a gun for the first time.
He shot a spitball into the girl's hair.
a stunt in which she was shot from a cannon
b
: to wound or kill (a person or animal) with a bullet, arrow, etc., that is shot from a weapon
He shot two deer this hunting season.
The police shot the suspect in the leg.
She accidentally shot herself in the foot.
Two people were shot dead [=killed with bullets] during the robbery.
The guards were ordered to shoot on sight anyone who tried to escape. [=to immediately shoot anyone they saw trying to escape]
c
: to remove or destroy (something) with a bullet, rocket, etc., that is shot from a weapon
—often + off
He shot the lock off the door.
—often + outShe shot out the lights.
2
always followed by an adverb or preposition
a
: to go, move, or pass quickly and suddenly in a particular direction or to a particular place
They shot past us on skis.
A cat shot [=darted] across the street.
Sparks from the fire were shooting all over.
A sharp pain shot through her chest.
The album shot straight to number one on the charts.
The frog shot out its tongue at a fly.
The album shot the band straight to the top of the charts.
b
: to flow forcefully or to cause (something) to flow forcefully in a particular direction or to a particular place
Blood was shooting [=spurting] from her neck.
The snake shot venom into his eyes.
3
a
sports
: to kick, hit, or throw (a basketball, hockey puck, etc.) toward or into a goal
She shot the ball from midfield.
He shot the eight ball into the side pocket.
He shoots; he scores!
You can't really play hockey if you don't have a goal to shoot at.
b
basketball
: to score (a goal) by shooting
He shot 10 field goals during the game.
She is outside shooting baskets. [=practicing basketball]
c
golf
: to achieve (a particular score)
She shot an 81.
He shot a hole in one.
d
: to play (a sport or game)
They are in the back shooting craps/dice.
Note: This sense is usually used with sports or games that involve shooting a ball.
4
: to film or photograph (something)
The movie was shot in Australia.
The scene was shot in slow motion.
Where did you shoot [=take] this photo?
The director says we'll begin shooting [=filming] next week.
5
: to direct (a look, comment, etc.) at (someone) quickly and suddenly
She shot her sister a disapproving glance/look.
—usually + atShe shot a disapproving glance/look at her sister.
He shot some angry words at me when the others left the room.
6
US, informal
—used to tell someone to begin to speak
You wanted to tell me something? OK, shoot.
"Can I ask you a few questions?" "Shoot."
7
informal
: to inject (an illegal drug) into a vein
She began shooting heroin when she was 20.
plural shoots
1
a
: the part of a new plant that is just beginning to grow above the ground
b
: a new branch and its leaves on an established plant
Small green shoots grew from the base of the tree.
2
a
: an occasion when a movie, television show, etc., is being filmed
She is currently on a movie shoot in London.
b
3
chiefly British
a
: an occasion when people hunt and kill wild animals
They went on a duck shoot. [=hunt]
b
: a piece of usually privately owned land that is used for hunting
a 5,000-acre shoot
US
—used to show that you are annoyed or surprised
"We've missed the train!" "Oh, shoot!"
Cite this Entry
“Shoot.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/shoot. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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