sawed-off shotgun

[ sawd-awf shot-guhn, -of ]

noun

1. a shotgun having a shorter barrel than a standard shotgun:

   The informants had seen shell casings on the stairs and a sawed-off shotgun in the cellar.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sawed-off shotgun¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

A man squatting in Yosemite was sentenced to more than five years in prison on Monday for breaking into a home in Wawona and possessing a sawed-off shotgun and ammunition.

From Los Angeles Times

Deputies searched his car and also found an additional loaded handgun, a sawed-off shotgun, more than $1,000 in cash, scales, narcotic paraphernalia and packaging, sheriff’s officials said.

From Los Angeles Times

Agents could see that he was armed with a sawed-off shotgun, according to the affidavit, and Yang allegedly threatened to shoot anyone who came in.

From Seattle Times

During a search of Hale’s home after the shooting, investigators found a sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun and other unspecified evidence.

From Seattle Times

Police said a search of the shooter’s home turned up a a sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun and other unspecified evidence.

From Seattle Times