Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

shotguns

  • plural
    of shotgun.
    shotgun
    noun
    a smoothbore gun for firing small shot to kill birds and small quadrupeds, though often used with buckshot to kill larger animals.
  • present tense form
    of shotgun (3rd person singular).
    shotgun
    noun
    a smoothbore gun for firing small shot to kill birds and small quadrupeds, though often used with buckshot to kill larger animals.

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.

See Examples For:

Officials seized several pistols, rifles, shotguns, ammunition, tactical gear, as well as electronics, he said.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 20, 2026

The weapons - including numerous pistols, rifles and shotguns - were registered to one of the suspect's parents.

From BBC ● May 19, 2026

Market hunters used shotguns, nets and traps to fill traincars with passenger pigeons—as well as robins, woodpeckers, blackbirds and orioles.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 23, 2026

BBC News Persian's investigation confirms the extensive use of shotguns.

From BBC ● Feb. 9, 2026

Sheriff Robinson, he found some shotguns in a closet, and sniffed them to see if they had been fired recently.

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote