shot1
n.
- the firing of a gun or cannon.
▸a person with a specified level of ability in shooting:
he was an excellent shot.
▸a critical or aggressive remark.
- a hit, stroke, or kick of the ball in sports, in particular an attempt to score.
▸informal an attempt to do something.
(pl. same)
a ball of stone or metal fired from a large gun or cannon. ▸
(also lead shot)
tiny lead pellets used in a single charge or cartridge in a shotgun.
▸a heavy ball thrown by a shot-putter.
- a photograph.
▸a film sequence photographed continuously by one camera.
▸the range of a camera's view:
standing just out of shot.
- informal a small drink of spirits.
▸an injection of a drug or vaccine.
- the launch of a rocket:
a moon shot.
Phrase
- give it one's best shot
informal do the best that one can. - like a shot
informal without hesitation. - a shot in the arm
informal an encouraging stimulus.
Etymology
OE sc(e)ot, gesc(e)ot, of Gmc origin; from the base of shoot.
shot3
n.
Brit. informal, dated a bill or one's share of it, especially in a pub.
Etymology
ME: from shot1; cf. OE scēotan ‘shoot, pay, contribute’ and scot.