Definition of shotgun Shotgun

/ʃɑˈtgʌˌn/ - [shatgun] - shot•gun

We found 15 definitions of shotgun from 5 different sources.

What does shotgun mean?

Noun Plural: shotguns
shotgun - firearm that is a double-barreled smoothbore shoulder weapon for firing shot at short ranges
		scattergun
		firearm, small-arm, piece a portable gun; "he wore his firearm in a shoulder holster"
		fowling piece a light shotgun used for fowling
		pump action, slide action action mechanism in a modern rifle or shotgun; a back and forward motion of a sliding lever ejects the empty shell case and cocks the firearm and loads a new round

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shotgun (Noun)
A gun which fires loads consisting of small metal balls, called shot, from a cartridge.
shotgun (Noun)
The front passenger seat in a vehicle, next to the driver; so called because the position of the shotgun-armed guard on a horse-drawn stage-coach, wagon train , or gold transport was next to the driver on a forward-mounted bench seat.
shotgun (Noun)
A one-story dwelling with no hallways or corridors, with the rooms arranged in a straight line. Mostly heard in the southern United States.
shotgun (Noun)
A play formation in which the quarterback is a few feet behind the snapper when the ball is hiked, ideally allowing for an easier pass play.
shotgun (Verb)
To inhale from a pipe or other smoking device, followed shortly by an exhalation into someone else’s mouth.
shotgun (Verb)
To verbally lay claim to.
shotgun (Verb)
To hit the ball directly back at the pitcher.
shotgun (Verb)
To rapidly drink a beverage from a can by making a hole in the bottom of the can, placing the hole above one's mouth, and opening the top.
shotgun (Adjective)
Of or relating to a shotgun.
shotgun (Adjective)
Occurring as a result of the threat of force.
shotgun (Adjective)
Utilizing numerous or highly diverse means to achieve a particular result.

shotgun (n.)
A light, smooth-bored gun, often double-barreled, especially designed for firing small shot at short range, and killing small game.

A shotgun is a type of gun. To make a shotgun work, fuel is lit by a primer inside of a shell. The gas from the burning fuel will push whatever is being fired out of the barrel. Usually a shotgun shell will have many small metal balls. These balls spread out when they are fired. Sometimes a shotgun shell will have a bigger piece of metal, like a bullet, called a "slug".

A shotgun can have one or two barrels. These barrels are normally next to each other or on top of each other. There are also different types of ways of loading and shooting a shotgun. Some will snap open, and shells can be put inside until they are shot again. Others hold more shells and are pumped back and forth to shoot. Some shotguns are fully automatic, meaning that pulling and holding the trigger back will keep shooting the gun without needing to reload until the shotgun is out of ammunition. (However, these are very rare.)

Shotguns can also fire things that do not kill people. Police use things like rubber balls and beanbags instead, so being shot means you will be hurt but not killed.