hotshot

[hot-shot]

adjective

1. highly successful and aggressive.

   a hotshot lawyer; a hotshot account exec.

2. displaying skill flamboyantly.

   a hotshot ballplayer.

3. moving, going, or operating without a stop; fast.

   a hotshot express.

noun

1. an impressively successful or skillful and often vain person.

2. Railroads.,  an express freight train.

3. a firefighter.

hotshot

/ ˈhɒtˌʃɒt /

noun

1. informal,  an important person or expert, esp when showy

Word History and Origins

Origin of hotshot¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; hot + shot ¹

Example Sentences

He was no longer the hotshot Duke star, the aimless former lottery pick, the reliable NBA starter, the trusted vet or famous podcaster.

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Top Gun was a breakthrough for Kilmer, who played Iceman, the rival to Cruise's hotshot Maverick at the US Navy's academy for elite fighter pilots.

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Forest Service and other hotshot crews, according to the corrections department.

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Logan had played the game of his life, the hotshot being lauded by the press for his lightning-quick pace and clinical finishing that put the Lancashire opposition to the sword.

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Interagency hotshot crews are highly trained hand crews sent to help fight particularly challenging fires.

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Related Words

• accomplished 
• adroit 
• capable 
• deft 
• proficient 
• skilled 
• skillful 
• versed 

When To Use

What does hotshot mean?

A hotshot is someone who’s highly talented and successful in a particular field, especially someone who’s cocky about it.Hotshot can also be used as an adjective to describe such a person. When it’s used as an adjective, it typically modifies a noun that refers to a person’s profession or position, as in hotshot programmer and hotshot quarterback.Example: I heard they brought in some hotshot lawyer to take over the case.