Search Dictionary
Definition of sapper

sapper

/ˈsæp.ər/
sap · per
Plural:sappers
JUMP TO:

sapper Lexical Profile

sapper Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A soldier or military engineer trained to construct and repair roads and bridges, lay and clear mines, and dig trenches or tunnels during siege operations.

Example

"The historical museum featured exhibits detailing how a 19th-century sapper constructed temporary pontoon bridges across wide rivers."

2

A person or thing that gradually drains, weakens, or undermines someone's energy, strength, or morale.

Example

"Constant administrative delays proved to be a real sapper of the research team's initial enthusiasm."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sapper

• Rhymes for sapper

• Nearby Words

sapodilla
saponaria
sapote
sapper
sapphic
sapphire
sappho

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-17th century from French 'sapeur', derived from 'saper' (to dig a trench or undermine fortifications), which ultimately traces back to Late Latin 'sappa' (a hoe or mattock).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sapper. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sapper
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.