shot
shot
Shot (noun) means the firing of a gun, or the result of firing it. Example: “A single shot rang out across the valley.”
noun
1
The firing of a gun, or the result of firing it.
"A single shot rang out across the valley."
2
An attempt or opportunity to do something.
"Give it your best shot."
"I never got a shot at the promotion."
"He took a shot at learning the guitar and really enjoyed it."
3
A small measure of spirits, typically drunk in one go.
"He ordered a shot of tequila to celebrate."
"She drank a small shot of whisky to warm herself up."
"The bartender poured a shot into each of the glasses."
4
An injection, especially a vaccination.
"She got her flu shot at the pharmacy."
"The nurse gave the boy a shot in his arm."
"You may need a booster shot before you travel abroad."
5
A single photograph or unbroken sequence of film footage.
"The director wanted a wide shot of the mountains."
"I got a great shot of the sunset from the balcony."
"The film opens with a long shot of an empty road."
adjective
1
Worn out, exhausted, or broken.
"After the marathon, my legs were completely shot."
"The old washing machine is shot, so we need to buy a new one."
"My nerves were shot after the long drive home in the rain."
How to use shot
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe act of firing a weapon, an attempt at something, a small drink, an injection, or a single camera take.
Common mistake
As an adjective ("my nerves are shot"), it means ruined or exhausted, not literally fired at.
Common pairings
take a shot
a shot in the dark
a flu shot
a long shot
call the shots
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Word forms
- Plural
- shots
- Third person singular
- shots
- Past tense
- shotted
- Comparative
- more shot
- Superlative
- most shot
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A single _____ rang out across the valley.
Etymology
The past participle of "shoot".
Related words
Rhymes for shot
See all rhymes for shot →Frequently asked questions
What does “shot” mean?
The word “shot” means the firing of a gun, or the result of firing it. In plain terms, the act of firing a weapon, an attempt at something, a small drink, an injection, or a single camera take.
How do you pronounce “shot”?
“Shot” is pronounced shot (/ʃɑt/ in IPA).
How do you use “shot” in a sentence?
Here is “shot” used in a sentence: “A single shot rang out across the valley.”
What part of speech is “shot”?
Depending on how it is used, “shot” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “shot” a common word?
“Shot” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “shot” have?
“Shot” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the firing of a gun, or the result of firing it.
What is the difference between a shot and a bullet?
A shot is the act of firing a gun, or the sound and result of that firing. A bullet is the physical projectile that leaves the barrel. So one pull of the trigger is a shot, and the bullet is what travels through the air. You hear a shot; you are struck by a bullet.
What is an example of 'shot' used this way?
"A shot rang out across the field" uses shot to mean the firing of a gun and the sound it made. Similarly, "she fired three shots" counts each discharge of the weapon. The word covers both the action of firing and its audible or visible result.
Does 'shot' only refer to guns?
In this sense, yes: it means the firing of a gun or its result. But "shot" has many other meanings elsewhere, including an attempt, as in give it a shot, a photograph, an injection, a measure of spirits, or a strike in sport. Context makes clear which meaning applies.
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