snipe

[ snahyp ]

noun

, plural snipes, (especially collectively) snipe

1. Also British, snite []. any of several long-billed game birds of the genera Gallinago (sometimes Capella ) and Limnocryptes, inhabiting marshy areas, as G. gallinago com·mon snipe, orwhole snipe, of Eurasia and North America, having barred and striped white, brown, and black plumage.
2. any of several other long-billed birds, as some sandpipers.
3. a shot, usually from a hidden position.

verb (used without object)

, sniped, snip·ing.

1. to shoot or hunt snipe.
2. to shoot at individuals as opportunity offers from a concealed or distant position:

   The enemy was sniping from the roofs.

3. to attack a person or a person's work with petulant or snide criticism, especially anonymously or from a safe distance.

snipe

/ snaɪp /

noun

1. any of various birds of the genus Gallinago (or Capella ) and related genera, such as G. gallinago ( common or Wilson's snipe ), of marshes and river banks, having a long straight bill: family Scolopacidae (sandpipers, etc), order Charadriiformes
2. any of various similar related birds, such as certain sandpipers and curlews
3. a shot, esp a gunshot, fired from a place of concealment

verb

1. whenintr, often foll by at to attack (a person or persons) with a rifle from a place of concealment
2. introften foll byat to criticize adversely a person or persons from a position of security
3. intr to hunt or shoot snipe

Derived Forms

• ˈsnipeˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• snipe·like adjective
• snip·er noun
• coun·ter·snip·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of snipe¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English snype (noun), from Old Norse -snīpa (in mȳrisnīpa “moor snipe”); cognate with Norwegian snipa, Icelandic snīpa; compare Danish sneppe, German Schnepfe

Word History and Origins

Origin of snipe¹

C14: from Old Norse snīpa; related to Old High German snepfa Middle Dutch snippe

Example Sentences

They used their monologues to snipe at each other, with Letterman piling on Jay just for kicks.

From The Daily Beast

Snipe had been kicked out of his home, in the Bronx, and needed a place to crash.

From The Daily Beast

A third stopped, and Snipe trotted forward to chat to the driver.

From The Daily Beast

Plenty of couples snipe at each other in sometimes embarrassing ways in front of company.

From The Daily Beast

Mr. MacCulloch also writes me word that the Solitary Snipe occasionally occurs.

From Project Gutenberg

Dottrel and yellow silk,—inside of Snipe's wing, and pale yellow silk,—hooks No. 2.

From Project Gutenberg

Light Blue,—inside of Snipe's wing,—body light Drab silk,—tail and legs grizzled hackle.

From Project Gutenberg

Light Blue,—inside of Snipe's wing,—light drab silk for body,—legs and tail grizzled hackle.

From Project Gutenberg

The blood was pouring from the wound, and he lay motionless, with the snipe dead on the ground about six inches from his nose.

From Project Gutenberg