Definition

Describing something that covers a wide area or range in a disorganized or ineffective way, often used in contexts like testing or compromise.

Example

The team used a shotgun approach to gather data, which resulted in a lot of unnecessary information.

Conversation

Did you see the way they planned that event?

Yeah, it seemed really shotgun to me, like they were just throwing ideas around.

Exactly! It felt like they didn't have a clear strategy at all.

Right? A more organized approach would have made it way better.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A type of gun that fires multiple small pellets at once, typically used for hunting or shooting sports.

Example

He took his shotgun to the hunting trip to catch some birds.

Conversation

Did you see that old shotgun in the antique store?

Yeah, it looked pretty interesting, but I wonder if it still works.

I bet it doesn’t, but it would be a cool decoration.

Definition

To fire a shotgun at something or someone.

Example

He decided to shotgun the target during the shooting practice.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how I shotgun that target at the range yesterday?

Yeah, you were really on point with your aim!

I think I finally got the hang of it after practicing a lot.

Root Explanation

Shotgun → The word is formed from "shot" (from Old English *sceotan*, meaning to shoot) and "gun" (from Middle English *gunne*, possibly derived from the name of a specific cannon). The term "shotgun" refers to a type of firearm designed to shoot a spread of small pellets or shots.

Memory Tip

Think of 'shooting' ('shot') with a 'gun' — that's why a shotgun is a firearm that shoots.

Visually Confused Words