shot glass: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal/Neutral
Quick answer
What does “shot glass” mean?
A small, thick-walled glass used for measuring and serving spirits or other strong alcoholic beverages, typically holding 1 to 2 fluid ounces (30–60 ml).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, thick-walled glass used for measuring and serving spirits or other strong alcoholic beverages, typically holding 1 to 2 fluid ounces (30–60 ml).
Beyond its literal meaning, 'shot glass' can be associated with drinking culture, measuring tools, barware, party supplies, and collectibles. In metaphorical use, it can represent a small quantity, a quick action, or a standardized measure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. 'Shot glass' is standard in both varieties. In informal UK contexts, 'shooter' or simply 'shot' might be used to refer to the glass itself, though this is less precise.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both cultures: associated with pubs, bars, partying, and quick consumption of spirits. May also be linked to social rituals (toasts, games) or responsible drinking when used as a standard measure.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties, given the global nature of bar culture. Slightly more common in American media related to parties or bartending.
Grammar
How to Use “shot glass” in a Sentence
[verb] + shot glass (e.g., raise a shot glass)[determiner] + shot glass + [prepositional phrase] (e.g., a shot glass of bourbon)shot glass + [of + noun] (e.g., shot glass of Jägermeister)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shot glass” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He shot-glassed the whisky expertly before serving.
- They were shot-glassing rum all night.
American English
- She shot-glassed the bourbon for the recipe.
- We ended up shot-glassing flavored vodkas.
adjective
British English
- He bought a shot-glass set for his home bar.
- The shot-glass collection was impressive.
American English
- It was a classic shot-glass moment.
- They played a shot-glass drinking game.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In retail (bar supplies, catering equipment) and hospitality (bar inventory).
Academic
Rare, possibly in historical or cultural studies of drinking practices.
Everyday
Common in social contexts involving drinking, cooking (measuring flavorings), or shopping for home barware.
Technical
Used in bartending manuals and beverage service training; also in chemistry/labs as an informal term for a small beaker (slang).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shot glass”
- Using 'shot' alone to mean the glass (ambiguous—could mean the drink). Misspelling as 'shotglass' (should be two words or hyphenated: 'shot-glass'). Incorrect plural: 'shots glasses' (correct: 'shot glasses').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as two separate words ('shot glass'). The hyphenated form 'shot-glass' is less frequent but also acceptable.
A shot glass is primarily for drinking from, often holding a standard single shot (e.g., 1.5 oz in US). A jigger is a bartending tool for measuring, typically dual-sided (e.g., 1 oz and 1.5 oz), and is not designed for drinking from directly.
Informally, yes. 'To shot-glass' means to drink from a shot glass or to measure something using one, but this is creative/colloquial and not standard in formal writing.
No. While their primary association is with spirits, they are also used to serve small portions of desserts (e.g., mousse), strong coffee, or as measuring tools in cooking and even laboratories.
A small, thick-walled glass used for measuring and serving spirits or other strong alcoholic beverages, typically holding 1 to 2 fluid ounces (30–60 ml).
Shot glass is usually informal/neutral in register.
Shot glass: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɒt ɡlɑːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɑt ˌɡlæs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Knock it back in one shot" (implied use)”
- “"A shot glass full of courage" (figurative)”
- “"Not my first shot glass" (experience)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: a SHOT of alcohol needs a small, sturdy GLASS. Visualize a tiny glass being 'shot' across a bar counter.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY IS CONTAINER (a shot glass represents a specific, small amount). TIME IS LIQUID (draining a shot glass represents a quick, finite action).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a shot glass?