What does shot mean?
“Shot” is a versatile English word whose basic sense is the act of firing a weapon or launching a projectile. From this core meaning, it has developed senses involving photographs, attempts, small quantities of drinks or medicine, units of ammunition, and verbal attacks. In everyday expressions such as “give it a shot” and “take a shot,” it can mean making an attempt, often with the implication that the result is uncertain. “Take a shot” may also refer to taking a photograph, while “a shot of” refers to a small serving of espresso, medicine, or another liquid. The word is common in both formal and informal registers, though its use for an attempt is especially conversational. In sports, “shot” can describe an attempt to score, as in basketball or golf, and in photography it commonly means a photograph or the act of photographing something.
The act or result of firing a weapon, taking a photograph, attempting something, taking a small quantity of a liquid or medicine, or making an attempt in a game.
"The crowd erupted after the winning shot."
With the meaning of an attempt, the expression is usually informal; with the meaning of a photograph or medicine, it is common in everyday and professional contexts.
To fire a gun or other weapon, to take a photograph, or to make an attempt at something.
"The photographer shot the portrait in natural light."
This is the past tense and past participle of “shoot” in its senses of firing a weapon and taking a photograph.
Affected by a gunshot or other projectile; shot through, pierced, or damaged by impact.
"The camera was shot through during the disturbance."
This use is relatively uncommon and is especially found in expressions such as “shot through” and “shot hole.”
The plural is used for individual photographs, attempts, servings, rounds or projectiles, and other countable instances of the noun.
"The photographer took several shots of the building."
From firing weapons to taking photographs and gulping espresso, “shot” shows how one word can move remarkably far while keeping its central idea of a brief, concentrated action.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shot come from?
The word comes from Old English scēot, meaning a missile, arrow, or shot, and ultimately from the Germanic root associated with shooting or projecting. As the past tense and past participle of “shoot,” it became particularly common in expressions referring to firearms, photography, and attempts. The related modern forms “shooter” and “shooting” preserve the same basic root, while words such as “undershot” and “overshoot” developed specialized meanings involving positioning or projection.
How shot is actually used
The word is highly informal when used for an attempt, as in “give it a shot,” and can sound encouraging or mildly dismissive depending on context. “Shot” as a photograph is common in photography and informal speech, while “a shot at” can mean either an attempt or an opportunity to try something. In medical contexts, “a shot” often means an injection, and “a flu shot” is especially common in American English.
Easily confused with shot
“Shoot” is the base verb meaning to fire a weapon or propel an object, whereas “shot” is the past tense and past participle of “shoot” as well as a separate noun and adjective.