sapper

What is another word for sapper? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.

Noun — A sapper is a military engineer who works in a combat zone, building or destroying fortifications, bridges and roads.

We haven't recorded synonyms for sapper yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use sapper

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

combat engineer clear a minefield build a bridge Royal Engineers

The Royal Engineers sense is informal British usage; the wider military engineer sense is neutral.

Etymology

Sapper was borrowed from the Middle French sappeur, related to the modern French sapeur. It can also be read as sap plus the suffix -er, from the older meaning of sap as digging a trench toward an enemy position.

Full origin of sapper →

Frequently asked questions

What does a sapper do?

A sapper is a military engineer who builds or destroys structures such as bridges, roads and fortifications, often under combat conditions.

Is a sapper the same as an engineer?

A sapper is a type of military engineer, specifically one who works in or near a combat zone.

Why are British army engineers called sappers?

In the UK, members of the Royal Engineers are informally called sappers, a name that comes from their historical work digging trenches and saps.

Nearby words

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