What does shootout mean?
A shootout is an informal confrontation in which opposing participants exchange gunfire. The word can also describe a decisive contest in which one side must succeed more often than the other, as in a football penalty shootout. In its literal sense, it evokes a tense, fast-moving confrontation and often carries an implication of danger, violence, or disorder. Its extended sporting meaning is similarly associated with pressure, suspense, and a winner emerging from a series of attempts. Although “shootout” can cover both literal gunfire and figurative competition, the word is especially common in North American English and has become established in British English as well through its use in association football.
A confrontation involving gunfire, especially an exchange of shots between opposing parties.
"The two groups engaged in a shootout near the border."
Informal; often used for a violent confrontation involving firearms.
A decisive contest or series of attempts in which one side must score or succeed more often than the other.
"The cup final ended in a penalty shootout."
Common in sports reporting, especially for the procedure determining the winner after a drawn match.
The standard plural is “shootouts.”
"The two teams were involved in several shootouts during the tournament."
From gunfire to penalty kicks, a shootout always comes down to who can prevail under pressure.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shootout come from?
The compound formed from “shoot” and “out” developed in the 19th century to describe an exchange or discharge of gunfire. Its sense of a decisive contest is a later figurative extension, particularly associated with competitive attempts in which the participants try to score or succeed. The underlying verb “shoot” is of Germanic origin and is related to words such as “shot” and “shooter.”
How shootout is actually used
The word is informal in general use. When referring to a football penalty shootout, it is standard terminology rather than a figurative use.
Easily confused with shootout
A shootout may involve actual gunfire or a competition resembling one, whereas a showdown is a general confrontation or decisive contest without necessarily involving shooting.
A firefight is an exchange of gunfire during a battle or conflict, while a shootout is often a more informal confrontation between a smaller number of opponents.