sniper

British  

/ ˈsnaɪpə /

noun

1. a rifleman who fires from a concealed place, esp a military marksman who fires from cover usually at long ranges at individual enemy soldiers

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Explanation

A soldier or police officer who specializes in shooting a gun very accurately from far away is a sniper. The U.S. Army has a special sniper school for training soldiers. Sometimes criminal shooters are described as snipers, especially if they shoot at people from a hidden spot. However, this word most often means "trained marksman," especially someone who's trained in the armed forces or by law enforcement, like a member of a SWAT team. Sniper comes from the less-common verb snipe, "shoot birds from a hidden place," from the noun snipe, "long-billed marsh bird."

Example Sentences

This January, Moscow increased military shipments to Iran, most likely including attack helicopters, air defense systems, spare parts for Su-35 fighter jets, radio-electronic equipment and sniper rifles.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

One prominent example came after the 1992 Ruby Ridge standoff, when the Justice Department decided not to prosecute an FBI sniper who fatally shot the wife of white separatist Randy Weaver.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

Attorney General Janet Reno decided not to pursue charges, but a county prosecutor in the state did, charging the sniper with involuntary manslaughter.

From Slate • Jan. 7, 2026

However, no individual sniper was ever held accountable, with all convictions directed toward the commanders in charge.

From Barron's • Nov. 18, 2025

For all the hazards—the risks from sniper fire and incoming shells, the serious health problems—trenches saved lives.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman

Related Words

• assassin
• sharpshooter