noun
hotshot
HOT-shot
Hotshot (noun) means someone considered highly skilled or successful in their field, often said with a hint of sarcasm. Example: “The new hotshot lawyer won her first three cases.”
noun
1
Someone considered highly skilled or successful in their field, often said with a hint of sarcasm.
"The new hotshot lawyer won her first three cases."
"Nice parking job, hotshot."
2
A wildland firefighter trained for intense, self-sufficient frontline work carried in on foot.
"The hotshot crew hiked in to cut a firebreak ahead of the blaze."
3
A portable device used to jump-start a car battery.
"He kept a hotshot in the trunk for dead batteries."
How to use hotshot
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone flashy and skilled — the word can be a genuine compliment or a mocking jab depending on tone.
Common mistake
Context decides the tone: "hotshot lawyer" can be admiring or sarcastic depending on delivery.
Common pairings
hotshot lawyer
local hotshot
hotshot crew
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Word forms
- Plural
- hotshots
- Third person singular
- hotshots
- Past tense
- hotshotted
- Comparative
- more hotshot
- Superlative
- most hotshot
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The new _____ lawyer won her first three cases.
Etymology
From hot + shot.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “hotshot” mean?
The word “hotshot” means someone considered highly skilled or successful in their field, often said with a hint of sarcasm. In plain terms, someone flashy and skilled — the word can be a genuine compliment or a mocking jab depending on tone.
How do you pronounce “hotshot”?
“Hotshot” is pronounced HOT-shot (/ˈhɒtˌʃɒt/ in IPA).
How do you use “hotshot” in a sentence?
Here is “hotshot” used in a sentence: “The new hotshot lawyer won her first three cases.”
What part of speech is “hotshot”?
“Hotshot” is a noun.
How many meanings does “hotshot” have?
“Hotshot” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone considered highly skilled or successful in their field, often said with a hint of sarcasm.
