noun
shot
shot
noun
1
The firing of a gun, or the result of firing it.
"A single shot rang out across the valley."
2
An attempt or opportunity to do something.
"Give it your best shot."
"I never got a shot at the promotion."
3
A small measure of spirits, typically drunk in one go.
"He ordered a shot of tequila to celebrate."
4
An injection, especially a vaccination.
"She got her flu shot at the pharmacy."
5
A single photograph or unbroken sequence of film footage.
"The director wanted a wide shot of the mountains."
adjective
1
Worn out, exhausted, or broken.
"After the marathon, my legs were completely shot."
How to Use Shot
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe act of firing a weapon, an attempt at something, a small drink, an injection, or a single camera take.
Common mistake
As an adjective ("my nerves are shot"), it means ruined or exhausted, not literally fired at.
Common pairings
take a shot
a shot in the dark
a flu shot
a long shot
call the shots
Word Forms
more shot comparative, shotted past tense, shots plural, shots plural, shots singular, most shot superlative
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A single _____ rang out across the valley.
Etymology
The past participle of "shoot".