Dictionary

1shot

noun \ˈshät\

: an act of shooting a gun

: the objects (called ammunition) that are shot from cannons and other old-fashioned weapons

: a person who shoots a gun

Full Definition of SHOT

1
a :  an action of shooting
b :  a directed propelling of a missile; specifically :  a directed discharge of a firearm
c (1) :  a stroke or throw in an attempt to score points in a game (as tennis, pool, or basketball); also :  home run
(2) :  ability to shoot <has the best shot on the team>
d :  blast 5a
e :  a medical or narcotics injection
2
a plural shot :  something propelled by shooting; especially :  small lead or steel pellets especially forming a charge for a shotgun
b :  a metal sphere of iron or brass that is heaved in the shot put
3
a :  the distance that a missile is or can be thrown
b :  range, reach
4
:  a charge to be paid :  scot
5
:  one that shoots; especially :  marksman
6
a :  attempt, try <give it a shot>
b :  guess, conjecture
c :  chance 4a <a shot at winning the prize>
d :  a single appearance as an entertainer <did a guest shot for the program>
7
:  an effective remark; especially :  swipe 2 <a parting shot>
8
a :  a single photographic exposure; especially :  snapshot
b :  a single sequence of a motion picture or a television program shot by one camera without interruption
9
:  a charge of explosives
10
a :  a small measure or serving (as one ounce) of undiluted liquor or other beverage <vodka shots> <a shot of espresso>
b :  a small amount applied at one time :  dose <a shot of fertilizer> <a shot of humor>
11
shot plural :  sprinkles, jimmies
a shot
:  for each one :  apiece
like a shot
:  very rapidly
shot in the arm
shot in the dark
1
:  a wild guess
2
:  an attempt that has little chance of success

Origin of SHOT

Middle English, from Old English sceot, scot; akin to Old High German scuz, Old Norse skot shot, Old English scēotan to shoot — more at shoot
First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Weapons and Explosives Terms

automatic, carbine, cudgel, muzzle, rapier

2shot

Definition of SHOT

past and past participle of shoot

3shot

adjective

: in a very bad condition

of a fabric : having threads of a different color woven in

: having a particular color, quality, feature, etc., throughout

Full Definition of SHOT

1
a of a fabric :  having contrasting and changeable color effects :  iridescent
b :  suffused or streaked with a color <hair shot with gray>
c :  infused or permeated with a quality or element <shot through with wit>
2
:  having the form of pellets resembling shot
3
:  reduced to a ruined or useless state <his nerves are shot>

First Known Use of SHOT

1763
SHOT Defined for Kids

1shot

noun \ˈshät\

Definition of SHOT for Kids

1
:  the act of shooting <The shot missed.>
2
plural shot :  a bullet, ball, or pellet for a gun or cannon
3
:  2attempt, try <Take another shot at the puzzle.>
4
:  1chance 4 <You have a shot at winning.>
5
:  the flight of a projectile or the distance it travels :  range <They were within rifle shot.>
6
:  a person who shoots <That hunter is a good shot.>
7
:  a heavy metal ball thrown for distance in a track-and-field contest (shot put)
8
:  an act of hitting, throwing, or kicking a ball or puck toward or into a goal
9
:  an injection of something (as medicine) into the body
10

2shot

Definition of SHOT for Kids

past and past participle of shoot
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