Shotgun
/ˈʃɒtɡʌn/
Definitions
2 meaningsA firearm with a long barrel, designed to be fired from the shoulder, and that fires a shell containing a number of small metal balls (shot) rather than a single bullet.
/ˈʃɒtɡʌn/
A long-barreled firearm designed to fire multiple pellets.
The police officer carried a shotgun for protection.
💡 Simply: It's a type of gun that shoots out a bunch of tiny metal balls at once. Imagine it like a powerful sprinkle that hits your target.
👶 For kids: It's a kind of gun that shoots out lots of tiny little balls instead of just one big bullet!
More Examples
He used a shotgun to hunt ducks.
The shotgun blast shattered the window.
How It's Used
"The hunter carried a shotgun for bird hunting."
"Skeet shooting uses shotguns to target clay pigeons."
"The suspect was apprehended after he was seen with a shotgun."
(Informal) To claim or demand the front passenger seat in a vehicle.
/ˈʃɒtɡʌn/
To take a seat next to the driver (usually in a car).
I always shotgun the front seat so I can pick the music.
💡 Simply: When you 'shotgun' a car, you quickly call dibs on riding shotgun (the front passenger seat). It’s like shouting, 'I get the best seat!'
👶 For kids: It means to be the first person to sit in the seat next to the driver in a car!
More Examples
He tried to shotgun the car, but I beat him to it.
She yelled 'shotgun!' and ran to the car.
How It's Used
"He shotgunned the front seat as soon as they got to the car."
"Kids often 'shotgun' the front seat when going on road trips."
Idioms & expressions
Shotgun wedding
A wedding that is arranged because the bride is pregnant.
"The couple had a shotgun wedding because they were expecting a baby."
Shotgun start
A method of starting a golf tournament where all players begin on different holes simultaneously.
"The tournament will commence with a shotgun start at 9 a.m."
The term 'shotgun' first appeared in the late 18th century, derived from the type of firearm that fires multiple pellets (shot) at once. 'Shot' refers to the individual projectiles, and 'gun' refers to the weapon itself. The term developed alongside improvements in firearm technology.
The term 'shotgun' and the weapon itself were used in hunting and warfare, evolving from earlier firearm designs.
Memory tip
Think of a gun that *shoots* a *group* of metal balls, like a spread.
Word Origin
"A firearm that fires multiple pellets."