shot-put

An athlete competes in the shot-put event at a track meet.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Athletic event: "shot-put" is a field event in athletics in which a heavy metal ball (the shot) is thrown (put) as far as possible from a marked circle. The athlete pushes the shot from near the shoulder using one hand, and the throw is measured from the landing point.
   • The throw itself: "shot-put" can also refer to a single attempt or throw in this event.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She won a gold medal in the shot-put at the Olympics. (The athletic event of throwing the shot.)
  • His shot-put measured over 20 metres, setting a new personal record. (A single throw in the competition.)

Advanced Usage

• "to do the shot-put": to participate in the event.

  • He has been training to do the shot-put for the school team. (He practices the sport of shot-putting.)

• "shot-put technique": the specific method used to throw the shot effectively, involving a glide or spin motion.

  • Coaches often teach the glide technique for the shot-put. (The method for executing the throw.)

Variants and Related Words

• Shot-putter (n): an athlete who competes in the shot-put event.

  • The shot-putter lifted the heavy ball and prepared for his throw. (The athlete specialized in this event.)

• Shot-putting (n): the action or practice of throwing the shot.

  • Shot-putting requires strength and coordination. (The activity of performing the throw.)

Synonyms

• Weight throw: a general term for similar events, though "shot-put" specifically refers to the push technique.
• Putting the shot: an alternative phrasing for the action.

Related Idioms

• "put the shot": the formal verb phrase for executing the throw.
  • He learned how to put the shot correctly during training. (To perform the throw in the shot-put event.)