WordGarden.ioshoot
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʃˈuːt/
US
- /ˈʃut/
Meanings
Verb
to fire a gun or other weapon at someone or something
to take a photograph or record video of someone or something
to kick, throw, or hit a ball or puck in an attempt to score
More meaningsFewer meanings
to move, send, or rise suddenly and quickly
Noun
a new stem or growth coming out of a plant
Interjection
(informal)a mild exclamation used instead of a stronger swear word
Beyond the definition
The word "shoot" often means to fire a gun or another weapon, as in "The guard shot at the target." It also often means to film or take pictures: "They are shooting a new movie" or "She likes to shoot street photos." Another common use is for fast movement, like "He shot out the door when he heard the bell."
You can also shoot a basketball, shoot for a goal, or shoot the breeze and have a light chat. It is a flexible word, and the meaning depends a lot on the situation.
The word "shoot" has several common meanings, and context tells you which one is meant. In its most basic sense, it means to fire a gun, arrow, or other weapon: "The soldier shot at the enemy." It can also mean to send something out quickly or with force, which is why we talk about a ball shooting across the field or a pain shooting down your arm.
"Shoot" is also widely used for cameras and film. A photographer can shoot portraits, and a director can shoot a scene for a movie. In everyday speech, people may say they will shoot a quick video or shoot some photos on their phone.
Another important meaning is to move very quickly: "She shot upstairs when she heard her name." In sports, it often means to try to score by sending the ball or puck toward the goal or basket.
The word also appears in common expressions. To shoot for something is to aim for it. To shoot the breeze is to chat in a relaxed way. To shoot ideas around means to talk through ideas together. In informal speech, "Shoot!" can also be a mild way to show surprise or annoyance.
So this is a word with a lot of range. It can suggest force, speed, aiming, recording, or casual talk, depending on the setting.
Examples
- 1
Hunting
The hunter waited until the deer was closer before he shot.
- 2
Gunfire target
Someone shot at the car last night, but no one was hurt.
- Patternshoot at + target
fire toward it, not necessarily hit it
- 3
Crime injury
She was shot in the leg during the robbery.
- 4
Sports
Alvarez shot the ball past the keeper in the final minute.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Filming
They're shooting a new series downtown this week.
- Domainin film and TV, shoot
record with a camera
- 6
Photography
Can you shoot a few photos of us before it gets dark?
- 7
Rent increase
Rent has shot up since the new offices opened nearby.
- Phraseshoot up
rise very quickly
- 8
Sudden pain
A sharp pain shot through his back when he bent down.
- Patternshoot through + place/body
move quickly through it
- 9
Planning
Let's shoot for ten o'clock and see how traffic looks.
- Patternshoot for + time/goal
aim for it
- 10
Informal message
I'll shoot you the address once they confirm the booking.
- Usageshoot someone something
send it quickly; informal
- 11
Photo session
We did the photo shoot on the beach at sunrise.
- Phrasephoto shoot
a session for taking photos
- 12
Mild exclamation
"Shoot, I left my phone in the taxi."
- Usageshoot
a mild word people say when something goes wrong
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- shootnounverb
Forms
- shotpast tensepast participleverbnoun
- shooting-ing formverbnoun
- shootspluralnounverb