shot put

American  

[shot poot] / ˈʃɒt ˈpʊt /

noun

1. a field event in which a heavy ball or shot is thrown or put for distance.

2. a single throw or put of the shot.

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shot put British  

noun

1. an athletic event in which contestants hurl or put a heavy metal ball or shot as far as possible

2. a single put of the shot

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Other Word Forms

• shot-putter
  noun

Etymology

Origin of shot put

First recorded in 1895–1900; shot ¹ (in the sense “projectile for discharge from a firearm”) + put (in the sense “to throw or cast”)

Example Sentences

He once threw the shot put 51 feet, 7 1/2 inches, which is his claim to fame at North Hollywood High.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

Jaslene Massey of Aliso Niguel is among the best all time to compete in the girls’ shot put and discus, and she always likes to perform well at Arcadia.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

Jamaica's Rajindra Campbell won the shot put with a 2026 world best of 21.77m.

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

Terry Hopkins, external: Won shot put gold at the 1992 Paralympics and another bronze and a discus silver at the 1988 Games.

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2025

Ellis nodded, and walked away into the dressing-room to change his light sprinting shoes for the heavier ones, with extra spikes in the heel, to be used in the shot put and high jump.

From Dick Randall The Young Athlete by Clark, Ellery H.