Shotgun - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A shotgun is a long-barreled firearm designed to fire multiple small pellets or a single slug. It is commonly used for hunting, sport shooting, or self-defense due to its wide spread and power.
Definition:
A smoothbore gun firing small pellets in a single shot, often used for hunting or sport.
Synonyms:
scattergun, fowling piece, blunderbuss
Part of Speech:
noun, adjective
Antonyms:
rifle, handgun
Common Collocations:
shotgun wedding, shotgun seat, shotgun shell, shotgun approach
Derivatives:
shotgunning, shotgunned
Usage Tips:
Use "shotgun" as a noun for the weapon or as an adjective (e.g., "shotgun approach").
Common Phrases:
ride shotgun, shotgun wedding, call shotgun
Etymology:
Derived from "shot" (projectiles) + "gun," first recorded in the early 19th century.
Examples:
- 1. He loaded the shotgun before hunting ducks.
- 2. She called shotgun to sit in the front seat.
- 3. The couple had a quick shotgun wedding last month.
- 4. Police found an old shotgun in the abandoned house.