n.
Pronunciation: ' shät
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English sceot, scot; akin to Old High German scuz, Old Norse skot shot, Old English sc ē otan to shoot ― more at SHOOT
Date: before 12th century
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 shot s > <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 : STIMULUS , BOOST
– shot in the dark
1 : a wild guess
2 : an attempt that has little chance of success