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DictionaryvolleyRapid burst
noun / verb

volley

VOL-ee/ˈvɑːli/

A burst of things fired or delivered in quick succession.

The three shooters fire a volley of rifle shots together.

Three shooters at an outdoor firing line discharge their rifles simultaneously, making a coordinated burst of shots visible through three concurrent muzzle flashes.
Etymology
volleyFrenchflight

The image of a flight became a discharge of many guns at once. That collective burst supplies the pattern for a volley of blows or words.

In context

Northern Ireland Conflict Videos1:15
a masked man fired a volley of shots as the cortege made its way to the city cemetery
RUC clashes with mourners at the funerals of IRA members Edward McShaffrey and Patrick Deery, 1987

More examples

  • Reporters greet the announcement with a volley of questions.
  • The protesters volley accusations at the officials.
  • Several volleys of gunfire echo through the valley.

Forms

volley · volleys · volleyed · volleying

Similar words

barrage
Suggests a heavier or more sustained outpouring of shots or words.
fusillade
Usually refers specifically to a rapid series of gunshots.