marksman

[ mahrks-muhn ]

noun

, plural marks·men.

1. a person who is skilled in shooting at a mark; a person who shoots well.
2. Military.
   1. the lowest rating in rifle marksmanship, below that of sharpshooter and expert.
   2. a person who has achieved such a rating.

marksman

/ ˈmɑːksmən /

noun

1. a person skilled in shooting
2. a serviceman selected for his skill in shooting, esp for a minor engagement
3. a qualification awarded in certain armed services for skill in shooting

Gender Note

See -man.

Derived Forms

• ˈmarksˌwoman, noun:feminine
• ˈmarksmanˌship, noun

Other Words From

• marksman·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of marksman¹

First recorded in 1645–55; mark ¹ + 's ¹ + -man

Example Sentences

Marksmen gunned them down for private collectors and hat makers, while loggers felled the old-growth stands where the birds roosted and foraged for grub.

From Washington Post

She loved to build model planes and ships, became an “expert marksman” at 14 and skied competitively for the United States in slalom and downhill races.

From Washington Post

Joseph Lobdell was born Lucy Ann Lobdell, a master trapper, hunter and self-taught marksman who left home in men’s clothes to escape a troubled marriage in his 20s.

From Ozy

The marksman, a lance corporal in the Coldstream Guards, was 930 yards from his target when he squeezed the trigger.

From The Daily Beast

At least one former detective believes that the killer was an expert marksman, according to ABC News.

From The Daily Beast

See, in the war on race I am a foot soldier, not a marksman.

From The Daily Beast

Boone was such a good marksman that he soon found he could kill his game with half a bullet and less powder.

From Project Gutenberg

I may say that a Boer even early in life is a good horseman and marksman.

From Project Gutenberg

With such a marksman he would not be maimed, but killed outright.

From Project Gutenberg

Sergeant Fugler, the best marksman in the Company, was a hard drinker, with a hobnailed liver.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a tantalizing sight to Hendrik, who would have liked much to have shown his marksman skill by “creasing” one.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• sharpshooter
• sniper