What does shothole mean?
A shothole is a hole or damaged area produced by a bullet, shell, or other projectile. In ordinary descriptions of crime or accidents, it usually means the opening left in a wall, door, vehicle, or other surface. The term also has established technical uses in aviation, armoured-vehicle protection, and accident investigation, where shothole damage may involve penetration, deformation, or the characteristic pattern of fragments around an impact. The word is composed of the familiar words “shot” and “hole” and is easy to understand once its literal meaning is recognized. It is especially useful when distinguishing projectile damage from other kinds of structural damage, although “bullet hole” is often more natural when the weapon is known to have fired a bullet. In general writing, “bullet hole” may be preferable because it identifies the cause more explicitly, while “shothole” remains useful in technical and forensic contexts.
nounA hole made by a bullet, shell, or other projectile. The term is also used technically for projectile damage to vehicles, aircraft, or structures.
- A hole or area of damage caused by a bullet, shell, or other projectile.
"The investigators found a shothole in the wall beside the shattered window."
"A shothole in the aircraft's wing prompted an emergency landing."
"The detective photographed the bullet hole and collected the fragments nearby."
The standard plural is “shotholes,” with no change to the ending beyond adding -s.
"Several shotholes marked the side of the armored vehicle."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shothole come from?
The word combines “shot” and “hole” and has been used since the early 19th century for a hole made by gunfire. Both elements come from longstanding English vocabulary: “shot” derives from an Old English term associated with shooting, while “hole” comes from Old English “hol,” an excavation or opening.
How shothole is actually used
The word is neutral but is most common in forensic, military, aviation, and engineering contexts. In technical descriptions, it can refer to the projectile damage as a whole rather than only to a physical opening.
Easily confused with shothole
A shothole is made by a projectile, whereas a pothole is a hole or depression in a road surface.