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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 notes

In 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

Word forms

more hotshot comparative, hotshotted past tense, hotshots plural, hotshots singular, most hotshot superlative

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The new _____ lawyer won her first three cases.

Etymology

From hot + shot.

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.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial