shotgun

1 of 2

noun

shot·​gun ˈshät-ˌgən How to pronounce shotgun (audio)
Synonyms of shotgunnext
1
: a usually smoothbore shoulder weapon capable of firing shot at short ranges
2
: an offensive football formation in which the quarterback plays a few yards behind the line of scrimmage and the other backs are scattered as flankers or slotbacks
shotgun transitive verb
shotgunner
ˈshät-ˌgə-nər How to pronounce shotgun (audio)
noun

shotgun

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of, relating to, or using a shotgun
2
: involving coercion
3
: covering a wide field with hit-or-miss effectiveness

Examples of shotgun in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Hides, horns and tusks, cases of superb custom rifles and shotguns that dreams are made of. — John Madson, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026 Ramsey said Sayer then took a rifle round from his pocket and tried to put it in the shotgun, allegedly to commit suicide. — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026
Adjective
Last season, Jackson went under center on just five drop-backs, while the Ravens’ primary ball-carriers had just 24 carries in non-shotgun looks. — Jonas Shaffer, baltimoresun.com, 3 June 2021 See All Example Sentences for shotgun

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shotgun was in 1776

Phrases Containing shotgun

Rhymes for shotgun

See All Rhymes for shotgun

Browse Nearby Words

shot glass
shotgun
shotgun can
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shotgun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shotgun. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

shotgun

noun
shot·​gun
ˈshät-ˌgən
: a firearm used to fire small shot at short range

More from Merriam-Webster on shotgun

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for shotgun

Nglish: Translation of shotgun for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shotgun

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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