Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

hot shot

American  
[hot shot, hot shot] / ˈhɒt ˈʃɒt, ˈhɒt ˌʃɒt /

noun

  1. incandescent shot fired to set enemy ships or buildings on fire.

  2. hotshot.


Etymology

Origin of hot shot

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It’s like a cold milk with a hot shot of espresso dropped into it, so as you’re drinking it you’re meant to experience hot and cold at the same time.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 6, 2024

Smith’s hot shot hit Arizona teammate Seth Beer, who was trying to advance from first to second in the fifth.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 23, 2022

Third baseman Justin Turner got the Dodgers out of the inning by making an excellent play on a hot shot by the next batter, Mike Zunino, and starting a 5-4-3 double play.

From Washington Post • Oct. 23, 2020

In “Dare Me,” on USA, a cheerleading team in a depressed Rust Belt town hires a new coach, a blond hot shot who the rich boosters hope will whip their squad into trophy-winning shape.

From The New Yorker • Dec. 16, 2019

“He’s a hot shot down here among the grits. A good Yankee guard would eat him alive.”

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "hot shot" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com