ENGLISH
REFERENCE

shot

n. · adj.
US //ˈʃɑt// UK //ʃˈɒt// shot
  1. 1 a photograph (n.)
    A2 Elementary Photography

    a single photograph or a continuous piece of film.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The director insisted on re-filming the opening shot several times to capture the exact quality of the fading light.
  2. 2 an attempt (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    an opportunity or a try at doing something.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    Despite having no prior experience in management, she decided to take a shot at the director position when it became vacant.
Show 5 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 medical injection (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Medicine

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    Travelers are often required to receive a series of shots before entering regions where certain tropical diseases are endemic.
  2. 4 small drink of alcohol (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The bartender poured a precise shot of espresso into the cocktail shaker to finish the drink.
  3. 5 sports/firing (n.)
    A2 Elementary Sport

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The hunter waited patiently for a clear shot at the deer, ensuring he had a safe line of fire through the trees.
  4. 6 a critical remark (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    During the debate, the candidate took a personal shot at his opponent's family history rather than discussing policy.
  5. 7 broken or worn out (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

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

    worn out, exhausted, or no longer functioning correctly.

    Example

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

    Example

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

Idioms10 entries

© 2026 English Reference