noun
Uncommon
sniper
SNEYE-p
Sniper (noun) means someone trained to shoot accurately at targets from a hidden position, often at long range. Example: “The sniper waited patiently on the rooftop for hours.”
noun
1
Someone trained to shoot accurately at targets from a hidden position, often at long range.
"The sniper waited patiently on the rooftop for hours."
"In the film, a sniper hides in a tower and watches the street below."
"The army trained her as a sniper because of her steady hands."
2
A person who repeatedly criticizes others, often unfairly or from a safe distance.
"No winnable seat has been found for Mr. H. L. Nathan, a powerful recruit from the Liberal ranks, and poor Mr. Wedgwood Benn, an invaluable sniper for a party in Opposition, has been out of Parliament now since 1931."
— The Living Age (1934)
"Online snipers love picking apart every decision the coach makes."
"Every time she posts a recipe, the same sniper leaves a nasty comment."
"The manager ignored the snipers who criticised him from the back row."
How to use sniper
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA precise, hidden shooter — or, more loosely, someone who criticizes from the sidelines.
Common pairings
sniper rifle
enemy sniper
a sniper's nest
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Word forms
- Plural
- snipers
Fill the gap
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The _____ waited patiently on the rooftop for hours.
Etymology
From snipe + -er, originally describing a hunter skilled enough to shoot the hard-to-hit snipe bird.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for sniper
See all rhymes for sniper →Frequently asked questions
What does “sniper” mean?
The word “sniper” means someone trained to shoot accurately at targets from a hidden position, often at long range. In plain terms, a precise, hidden shooter — or, more loosely, someone who criticizes from the sidelines.
How do you pronounce “sniper”?
“Sniper” is pronounced SNEYE-p (/ˈsnaɪ.pɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sniper” in a sentence?
Here is “sniper” used in a sentence: “The sniper waited patiently on the rooftop for hours.”
What part of speech is “sniper”?
“Sniper” is a noun.
Is “sniper” a common word?
“Sniper” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sniper” have?
“Sniper” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone trained to shoot accurately at targets from a hidden position, often at long range.
What is the difference between a "sniper" and a regular soldier?
A sniper is specifically trained to shoot accurately at targets from a hidden position, often at long range, using specialized skills like camouflage and precision marksmanship. A regular soldier does not typically have this specialized long-range, concealed-shooting role.
What does it mean to call someone a "sniper" in a non-military context?
Used figuratively, a "sniper" describes a person who repeatedly criticizes others, often unfairly or from a safe distance, rather than confronting them directly. This sense compares harsh, indirect criticism to shooting from a hidden position.
Is "sniper" used mostly in military contexts or everyday conversation?
The literal meaning of a trained long-range marksman is mostly used in military, law enforcement, or gaming contexts. The figurative sense, describing a harsh critic, appears more often in everyday conversation and workplace or online settings.
