Bird shot – Definition & Meaning

Bird shot is a term that is commonly used in the world of hunting and firearms. It refers to a type of ammunition that is specifically designed for hunting birds. The term bird shot can be used to describe both the ammunition itself and the act of shooting with it. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bird shot, its origin, and its associations.

Definitions

Bird shot is a type of shotgun ammunition that is designed to shoot small pellets or shot. These pellets are typically made of lead or steel and are used to hunt birds. The size of the pellets can vary depending on the type of bird being hunted and the distance from which the shot is being taken.

Origin

The origin of bird shot can be traced back to the early days of hunting. Hunters would use a variety of different weapons to take down birds, including bows and arrows, slingshots, and even rocks. As firearms became more common, hunters began using shotguns to hunt birds. The first bird shot ammunition was likely made by hand, with hunters melting down lead and casting their own pellets.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bird shot is defined as “shotgun ammunition containing small pellets used to hunt birds.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines bird shot as “small lead or steel pellets used in a shotgun for shooting birds.”

Associations

Bird shot is commonly associated with hunting and firearms. It is also associated with the outdoors and nature, as most bird hunting takes place in rural areas.

Synonyms

Some synonyms for bird shot include birdshot, bird pellets, and birdshot ammunition.

Antonyms

There are no direct antonyms for bird shot, as it is a specific type of ammunition. However, some related terms might include things like bow and arrow, slingshot, or rifle.

The same root words

The term bird shot is made up of two root words: bird and shot. Bird refers to the animal being hunted, while shot refers to the small pellets used in the ammunition.

Example Sentences

1. The hunter loaded his shotgun with bird shot before heading out into the field.
2. The bird shot scattered across the sky, hitting several birds in one shot.
3. She preferred to use bird shot when hunting, as it was less likely to damage the meat of the bird.