English Reference
noun · adjective

shot

n. · adj.
US /ˈʃɑt/ UK /ʃˈɒt/ shot UK spelling shot's, shot's, shotting

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Photography

    n.a single photograph or a continuous piece of film.

    n.a single photographic image or an unbroken sequence of cinematic film exposures.

    Simple

    He took a beautiful shot of the mountains during the hike.

    In context

    The director insisted on re-filming the opening shot several times to capture the exact quality of the fading light.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Informal

    n.an opportunity or a try at doing something.

    n.an attempt or opportunity to achieve a goal, often used in the idiom 'give it a shot'.

    Simple

    I don't know if I can fix the computer, but I'll give it a shot.

    In context

    Despite having no prior experience in management, she decided to take a shot at the director position when it became vacant.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate Medicine

    n.an injection of a drug or a vaccine into the body.

    n.a hypodermic injection, typically for the purpose of vaccination or medical treatment.

    Simple

    The nurse gave me a flu shot in my left arm.

    In context

    Travelers are often required to receive a series of shots before entering regions where certain tropical diseases are endemic.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    n.a small amount of strong alcohol, usually drunk quickly from a small glass.

    n.a small measure of spirits or liquor, typically equivalent to 30-44 milliliters.

    Simple

    They ordered a shot of tequila at the bar to celebrate.

    In context

    The bartender poured a precise shot of espresso into the cocktail shaker to finish the drink.

  5. 05 A2 Elementary Sport

    n.the act of kicking, hitting, or throwing a ball toward a goal, or firing a gun.

    n.the act of launching a projectile, bullet, or ball toward a specific target or goal.

    Simple

    The striker took a powerful shot at the goal but missed.

    In context

    The hunter waited patiently for a clear shot at the deer, ensuring he had a safe line of fire through the trees.

  6. 06 C1 Advanced Informal

    n.a comment that is meant to be mean or critical of someone.

    n.a critical or insulting remark aimed at a person, often used in the phrase 'cheap shot'.

    Simple

    That comment about her hair was a bit of a mean shot.

    In context

    During the debate, the candidate took a personal shot at his opponent's family history rather than discussing policy.

    jibeinsultdig
  7. 07 C1 Advanced Informal

    adj.completely broken, ruined, or too old to use anymore.

    adj.worn out, exhausted, or no longer functioning correctly.

    Simple

    I need a new car because the engine in this one is completely shot.

    In context

    After hiking for twelve hours without a break, my knees were absolutely shot and I could barely walk.

Usage shot dead · shot to fame · shot on target

The cows were shot in June, leading to complaints about the manner of the cull which was carried out within earshot of members of the public.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

He had 30 shots on goal and made 30 key passes, highlighting his routes to points.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

Etymology 1

The past participle of shoot.

Etymology 2

Inherited from Middle English schot, from Old English sceot, from Proto-Germanic *skutą; compare the doublet scot.

Etymology 3

See scot (“a share”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated