marksman

[mahrks-muhn]

noun

plural

marksmen 

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.

Other Word Forms

• marksmanship noun
• markswoman noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of marksman¹

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

Example Sentences

In this occasionally saccharine yet blithely comical piece of rich-people-problems autofiction, Clooney is the funniest he’s been in years, taking shots at himself and the life he’s chosen with a marksman’s aim.

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Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is bringing in legal changes that will give police marksmen accused of murder the right to anonymity unless they are convicted.

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Darwin Nunez has had three full seasons at Liverpool since completing a move worth up to £85m from Benfica – but is no nearer proving he is the reliable and consistent marksman they need.

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An XL Bully believed to be the same dog which escaped when marksmen opened fire on it last week has been found and put down, police have said.

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People in Sheffield no longer need to be worried about an XL Bully which escaped after force marksmen opened fire on it last week, police have said.

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Related Words

• sharpshooter 
• sniper