noun
sniper
SNEYE-p
noun
1
Someone trained to shoot accurately at targets from a hidden position, often at long range.
"The sniper waited patiently on the rooftop for hours."
2
A person who repeatedly criticizes others, often unfairly or from a safe distance.
"Online snipers love picking apart every decision the coach makes."
How to Use Sniper
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA precise, hidden shooter — or, more loosely, someone who criticizes from the sidelines.
Common pairings
sniper rifle
enemy sniper
a sniper's nest
Word Forms
snipers plural
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Etymology
From snipe + -er, originally describing a hunter skilled enough to shoot the hard-to-hit snipe bird.