shoot-'em-up

noun

: a movie, television show, or computer game with much shooting and bloodshed

Examples of shoot-'em-up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The first trailer for the shoot-'em-up period movie, debuted first exclusively by PEOPLE, introduces Rickards as the titular real-life legendary sharpshooter from the 19th century, and her former onscreen husband Amell rocking yet another questionable wig as Wild Bill Hickok, the love of her life. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 25 Jan. 2024 The Ride, riders wield virtual fireballs within a blazingly fun, interactive shooting gallery, while the Lost Kingdom Adventure offers a shoot-'em-up target game with mummies and skeletons that react to your every move. Carlye Wisel, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shoot-'em-up was in 1947

Dictionary Entries Near shoot-'em-up

Cite this Entry

“Shoot-'em-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shoot-%27em-up. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

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