I. ˈshät noun
Etymology: 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
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
- like a shot
- shot in the arm
- shot in the dark
II.
past and past participle of shoot
III. adjective
Date: 1763
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