shoot-'em-up

American  

[shoot-uhm-uhp] / ˈʃɒɒt əmˌʌp /

noun

Informal.

1. a motion-picture or television program that emphasizes gunplay, action, and often violence.

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shoot-'em-up British  

noun

1. a type of computer game, the object of which is to shoot as many enemies, targets, etc, as possible

2. a fast-moving film involving many gunfights, battles, etc

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Etymology

Origin of shoot-'em-up

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The Galacticoaster is the centerpiece of Lego Galaxy, which also includes two smaller outdoor attractions, a vintage-style shoot-’em-up video game and a play area for little ones.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

“I guess I’m happier they are playing chess rather than some shoot-’em-up game.

From Washington Post • Apr. 15, 2023

It's a brawny tale attempting to imbue its shoot-'em-up action with brains and, if not a soul, then an intriguing level of artificial intelligence.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2022

The same goes for the Mass Effect games, as the player can take the time to really become friends with the soldiers and mercenaries around them in between shoot-’em-up missions.

From Slate • May 20, 2021

Their heads were adorned with matte black helmets, and they reminded him of characters in one of those shoot-’em-up military games.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro