What does sniper mean?
A sniper is a person who shoots with exceptional accuracy at a distant target, normally from a concealed or protected position. The word most often refers to a soldier trained to identify targets, judge distance and movement, and fire precise long-range shots, but it can also describe a hunter, a law-enforcement officer, or a marksman operating in another specialized role. In figurative use, a sniper may be someone who makes a carefully targeted attack against a distant or prominent person or thing. The term conveys both technical skill and an association with secrecy, danger, and sudden precision. Although the word can describe anyone who shoots accurately, it more specifically implies long-range fire, usually from concealment. “Sniper” also functions as a verb in contemporary informal usage, meaning to shoot from a concealed position. Its distinctive history is closely associated with British military marksmen in colonial India, where skilled long-range shooting became formally recognized and developed into the modern military role.
A person who fires with great accuracy at a distant target, typically from a concealed position, especially a soldier assigned to precise long-range fire.
"A sniper hidden among the rocks signaled the observation post."
The word normally implies both high accuracy and concealment or long-range fire.
To shoot at someone or something from a concealed or long-range position, especially with a rifle.
"The attacker snipered at the guard from an upper window."
This verb is modern and informal; “snipe” may be preferred in some formal contexts.
The standard plural adds -s to the noun.
"Two snipers covered the bridge from separate positions."
The word “sniper” emerged in British India, where long-range marksmanship became a distinctive military specialty.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sniper come from?
The word emerged in the late eighteenth century in British India for an expert marksman who could shoot accurately at long range. Its standard etymological trail runs through German and Dutch, with the Dutch term associated with snoepen, meaning to steal or move stealthily; the same Dutch root also lies behind the English word snoop. Its modern military meaning developed from that early usage for skilled long-range shooters, while later senses and the verb form followed from the established noun.
Related word forms
How sniper is actually used
The noun is standard in military, law-enforcement, journalistic, and recreational-shooting contexts. It can also be used figuratively for someone who makes highly accurate attacks on distant targets. The verb is modern and noticeably informal, and its use may sound aggressive or cinematic.
Easily confused with sniper
A sniper is a person who fires accurately at a distant or concealed target, whereas a snipe is primarily a wading bird and, as a verb, means to make a sharp, long-range shot.