Shots

The term shots has multiple meanings across different contexts, including beverages, medicine, photography, and sports. In each context, a shot denotes a distinct unit or action, tied together by the idea of capturing a small portion, a single injection, a single frame, or a scoring attempt.

Alcoholic shot: In bar culture, a shot is a small serving of distilled spirits or liqueur, typically 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 ml). It is usually consumed quickly, without mixing, and may be served alone or as part of a shooter, a drink designed to be drunk in a single swallow. Pour sizes vary by country; for example, a standard US pour is commonly around 1.5 ounces, while other regions use 25 ml or 35 ml.

Medical injections: In medical contexts, a shot is an injection given with a syringe. Shots deliver vaccines, antibiotics, pain relievers, and other medications. They may be administered intramuscularly, subcutaneously, or intravenously, depending on the substance and purpose. Safety relies on sterile equipment, proper technique, and trained personnel; vaccination programs routinely use injections to prevent disease.

Film and photography: In visual media, a shot is a single continuous recording or image captured by a camera. In editing, a sequence is built from multiple shots. Common shot types include wide (establishing) shots, medium shots, and close-ups, as well as angles and framing choices that influence mood and information.

Sports: In sports, a shot is an attempt to score or to hit a target. In football (soccer) or hockey, a shot on goal records an attempt that may become a goal; in basketball, shooting techniques vary by distance and form. Shot statistics, such as attempts and accuracy, are widely tracked.