shotgun
Translation
shotgun
Examples
The farmer used a shotgun to scare away birds.
The farmer used a shotgun to scare away birds.
He called shotgun to get the front seat.
He called shotgun to get the front seat.
Grammar Patterns
((a shotgun)) a type of gun The hunter carried a shotgun.
((to call shotgun)) to claim the front passenger seat I call shotgun!
Similar Words
Synonyms: fowling piece; Related terms: rifle, pistol
Etymology
A compound of 'shot' (small pellets) and 'gun'. A gun that fires shot.
Memory Tips
Picture a gun that shoots a spray of pellets, a 'shot'. The idiom 'to call shotgun' for the front passenger seat is a unique Americanism.