snipe
5 synonyms for snipe, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A long-billed wading bird found in marshes and wetlands.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
assail
sharpshoot
How to use snipe
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
snipe at
snipe an auction
hunt snipe
Etymology
From Old Norse snípa (a type of bird). The verb sense came later, from British soldiers in India who called a skilled hunter of the elusive snipe bird a "sniper."
Full origin of snipe →Frequently asked questions
What does “snipe” mean?
The word “snipe” means a long-billed wading bird found in marshes and wetlands. In plain terms, either the wading bird, or the act of attacking (with words, bullets, or auction bids) from a hidden or safe position.
How do you pronounce “snipe”?
“Snipe” is pronounced snyp (/snaɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “snipe” in a sentence?
Here is “snipe” used in a sentence: “The hunters spotted a snipe darting low over the reeds.”
What part of speech is “snipe”?
Depending on how it is used, “snipe” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “snipe” come from?
The word “snipe” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse snípa (a type of bird). The verb sense came later, from British soldiers in India who called a skilled hunter of the elusive snipe bird a "sniper.".
How many meanings does “snipe” have?
“Snipe” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long-billed wading bird found in marshes and wetlands.
Related words
snipe hunt
