1 hotshot | Definition of hotshot

hotshot

noun, often attributive
hot·​shot | \ ˈhĂ€t-ˌshĂ€t How to pronounce hotshot (audio) \

Definition of hotshot

1 : a fast freight
2 : a person who is conspicuously talented or successful a hotshot lawyer

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Synonyms & Antonyms for hotshot

Synonyms

ace, adept, artist, authority, cognoscente, connoisseur, crackerjack (also crackajack), dab [chiefly British], dab hand [chiefly British], expert, fiend, geek, guru, hand, maestro, master, maven (also mavin), meister, past master, proficient, scholar, shark, sharp, virtuoso, whiz, wizard

Antonyms

amateur, inexpert, nonexpert

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Examples of hotshot in a Sentence

The company has hired a couple of young hotshots to revamp its advertising campaign. That guy thinks he's a real hotshot.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ten hotshot crews, two air retardant tankers and four water-scooping aircraft had arrived or were en route. Annie Zak, Anchorage Daily News, "As Southcentral Alaska winds ease, crews battling Susitna Valley wildfire work to gain control," 20 Aug. 2019 The show has a better sense of Ford's weaknesses this season and that gives Groff freedom to explore the character's youthful insecurities without having to be believable exclusively as a far-ahead-of-the-curve hotshot. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Mindhunter' Season 2: TV Review," 15 Aug. 2019 Word had begun to spread that the guitar hotshot was about to go on tour with David Bowie. Andrew Dansby, Houston Chronicle, "Photographer shares Stevie Ray Vaughan photos at book event," 14 Aug. 2019 Thomas said about 80 to 100 fire personnel, including two hotshot crews and five engines, were fighting the fire Sunday. Molly Hudson, azcentral, "Central Fire 20% contained after burning 500 acres between Anthem and New River," 21 July 2019 The idea that early astronauts must first be test pilots, like the hotshots at Edwards, was not a foregone conclusion. Emily Ludolph, New York Times, "Ed Dwight Was Set to Be the First Black Astronaut. Here’s Why That Never Happened.," 16 July 2019 And no hotshot former publisher or love triangle plot is worth the loss of that much self-respect. Alissa Wilkinson, Vox, "Younger is a great show. One of its love interests: Not so much.," 14 July 2019 Not only does the new take add in Atlanta hotshot Young Thug — a feature that had long been rumored — but Lil Nas X went a few steps further by tapping meme star Ramsey. Randall Roberts, latimes.com, "Lil Nas X and Billie Eilish enlist array of stars in all-out race for No. 1," 12 July 2019 In the film, the Wave House is home to Kate Mckinnon's character, a hotshot music industry exec who represents Ed Sheeran—played by himself. Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, "This Gorgeous Oceanfront Malibu Villa Was Featured in the Movie “Yesterday”," 10 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hotshot.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of hotshot

1922, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for hotshot

hotshot

noun

English Language Learners Definition of hotshot

informal : a talented and successful person : someone who is successful or skillful in a showy or flashy way

More from Merriam-Webster on hotshot

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with hotshot

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hotshot

Nglish: Translation of hotshot for Spanish Speakers