# shot

/ˈʃɑt/ (US) · /ʃˈɒt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shot
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a photograph

noun · CEFR A2

a single photograph or a continuous piece of film.

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

- He took a beautiful shot of the mountains during the hike.
- The director insisted on re-filming the opening shot several times to capture the exact quality of the fading light.

### 2. an attempt

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

an opportunity or a try at doing something.

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

- I don't know if I can fix the computer, but I'll give it a shot.
- Despite having no prior experience in management, she decided to take a shot at the director position when it became vacant.

### 3. medical injection

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The nurse gave me a flu shot in my left arm.
- Travelers are often required to receive a series of shots before entering regions where certain tropical diseases are endemic.

### 4. small drink of alcohol

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- They ordered a shot of tequila at the bar to celebrate.
- The bartender poured a precise shot of espresso into the cocktail shaker to finish the drink.

### 5. sports/firing

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- The striker took a powerful shot at the goal but missed.
- The hunter waited patiently for a clear shot at the deer, ensuring he had a safe line of fire through the trees.

### 6. a critical remark

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

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

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

- That comment about her hair was a bit of a mean shot.
- During the debate, the candidate took a personal shot at his opponent's family history rather than discussing policy.

### 8. broken or worn out

adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal

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

For teachers: worn out, exhausted, or no longer functioning correctly.

- I need a new car because the engine in this one is completely shot.
- After hiking for twelve hours without a break, my knees were absolutely shot and I could barely walk.

## Examples

- He took a shot at the goal but missed.
- The doctor gave me a flu shot in my left arm before I left the clinic.
- The director insisted on a wide shot to capture the scale of the landscape, even though the lead actor felt a close-up would better convey the character's internal struggle.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.