1
: a battle fought with handguns or rifles
2
: something resembling a shoot-out
broadly : showdown
3
: a shooting competition in overtime that is used to determine the winner of a game (as in soccer or hockey) tied at the end of regular play

Examples of shoot-out 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.
Sure enough, someone pulls a gun, and a shoot-out ensues. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2025 In all seriousness, though, Owen's decision to leave after a litany of shoot-outs, car chases, and tussles is in part inspired by memories of his father, who died in the line of duty when Owen was just 12. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 29 Jan. 2025 The charges against the two stem from what police described as a shoot-out between them that happened about 2:30 p.m. Oct. 24, 2024 at the intersection of Berkeley Way and Henry Street. Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2025 It’s been the question on every fan’s mind since The Oval wrapped its fifth season back in March: Who survived that explosive White House shoot-out? Andy Swift, TVLine, 28 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shoot-out 

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shoot-out was in 1948

Dictionary Entries Near shoot-out

Cite this Entry

“Shoot-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shoot-out. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

shoot-out

noun
ˈshüt-ˌau̇t
: a battle fought with handguns or rifles
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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