Shotgun

/ˈʃɒtˌɡʌn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A type of firearm that is designed to be fired from the shoulder, typically having a smooth bore and using shotshells.

He hunted ducks with his trusty shotgun on the weekends.

A seat next to the driver in a vehicle.

I called shotgun so I could sit in the front seat during our road trip.

An informal term for a hasty or last-minute arrangement.

We were able to get a shotgun wedding set up in just a week.

verb

To travel in a vehicle in the front passenger seat.

I always shotgun when my friends go out for a drive.

The term 'shotgun' originated in the early 19th century, referring to a gun that shoots projectiles.

call shotgun:

To declare you will sit in the front passenger seat of a vehicle.

shotgun wedding:

A wedding that is hastily arranged due to pregnancy.

shotgun approach:

A method that tries many options instead of focusing on one.

A claim to ride in the front seat of a vehicle.

I called shotgun as soon as I got to the car.

To initiate something forcefully or with intensity.

Let’s shotgun our way through this project!