sniper
sniper Lexical Profile
sniper Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A trained marksman in the military or law enforcement who operates from a concealed position or at distances exceeding the capabilities of regular personnel.
"The historical documentary examined the rigorous optical and environmental training required of a reconnaissance sniper."
A participant in an online timed auction who waits until the final seconds to submit a winning bid, preventing other bidders from responding.
"I thought I had won the vintage watch, but an auction sniper outbid me by a single dollar with two seconds remaining."
A person who makes hostile, snide, or critical remarks from a safe or indirect position.
"The committee chair ignored the anonymous verbal snipers on social media and focused on the policy proposal."
• Rhymes for sniper
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the late 18th century among British soldiers in India, the word originally referred to a hunter skilled enough to shoot the snipe, a wading bird notorious for its rapid, erratic flight.