Shotgun/ˈʃɑːtɡʌn/ Definition 1 of 5Pro Tip 1/3Hunting Context Usually referenced in hunting and indicates a wide spread of shot. Pack your shotgun; the hunting season starts tomorrow. Pro Tip 2/3Personal Defense Often used to imply personal defense or home security. He keeps a shotgun for home defense. Pro Tip 3/3Cultural References Commonly seen in Western movies and symbolizes frontier defense. The cowboy carried a shotgun on his horse.