What does sniping mean?
Sniping originally describes a military technique in which a person fires at a distant target from a concealed or protected position. The word comes from the snipe, a bird that was traditionally difficult to approach and shoot. By extension, sniping can mean making quick, pointed, and often hostile remarks about someone, especially in political or professional disagreement. In auctions and other competitive sales, it can also refer to placing a bid at the last possible moment to overtake another offer. The term therefore combines ideas of concealment, precision, and strategic timing. It is useful for describing both literal gunfire and figurative verbal attacks, although the figurative sense is generally more common in everyday discussion.
The act or practice of firing shots from a concealed position, or a series of sharply critical remarks directed at someone.
"The report attributed the deaths to sniper fire from nearby buildings."
Also used figuratively for sustained or repeated pointed criticism; in auctions, it refers to a last-minute bid.
To fire shots from a concealed position; to make repeated sharp or hostile remarks; or to make a last-minute bid.
"Several commentators sniped at the minister's decision throughout the hearing."
The figurative sense is often intransitive and commonly takes the preposition at: to snipe at someone.
Usually treated as a mass noun; the plural is uncommon but can refer to separate acts or incidents of sniping.
"The recordings documented several distinct snipings from the building."
From hunting the elusive snipe bird, the word 'sniping' grew into a military term for shooting from concealment—and later into a description for sharp, targeted verbal attacks.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sniping come from?
The word developed from the bird name snipe, which was associated with difficult, opportunistic shooting. By the late eighteenth century, the related noun sniper was used for a skilled marksman who fired from a concealed position. The verb snipe and its gerund form sniping came to refer both to such shooting and, later, to making sharp, targeted attacks in speech. The military sense is the source of the modern figurative meanings.
Related word forms
How sniping is actually used
In its figurative sense, sniping usually suggests repeated or sustained sharp criticism, often conducted from a position of apparent safety. It can be formal or informal depending on context.
Easily confused with sniping
A sniper is the person who carries out a sniping attack, whereas sniping names the activity or practice itself.
Snipe is the bird from which the modern military senses developed, while sniping refers to shooting from a concealed position.