sniper

IPA/ˈsnaɪpə(r)/
KK[snˈaɪpɚ]IPA/ˈsnaɪpər/

sniper — noun

  • snipersingular
  • snipersplural

1. A person who fires a gun at other people from a secret or well-hidden spot, espe

1.nounB2
Definition

A person who fires a gun at other people from a secret or well-hidden spot, especially during a war or violent attack.

Example

Local reporters said a sniper had been shooting at cars near the highway outside Aylin's village.

sniper + shooting at + [target]

During the hostage crisis in Tomás's city, a police sniper watched the building from a nearby rooftop.

police sniper + watches [location] from [position]

Common collocations
  • police sniper
  • army sniper
  • enemy sniper
  • sniper fire
  • sniper rifle
  • sniper attack
  • sniper position
  • sniper team
Synonyms
  • sharpshooter

    focuses on accuracy rather than concealment; often used in sporting or police contexts

  • marksman

    general term for a skilled shooter who hits targets accurately; does not imply hiding

  • gunman

    broader term for anyone using a gun in a crime; no implication of skill or concealment

Usage Note

Often modified by a preceding noun that identifies the affiliation: police sniper, army sniper, enemy sniper.

Common Mistakes

The sniper stood in the middle of the street firing at people.
The sniper fired at people from a hidden location such as a rooftop or window.
A sniper always attacks from a concealed position, not an open one.

2. A person who places a winning offer in the final seconds of an online auction, g

2.nounC1
Definition

A person who places a winning offer in the final seconds of an online auction, giving others no time to raise their bid.

Example

An auction sniper placed a bid in the final three seconds of the sale, surprising Camille.

auction sniper + places a bid in final seconds

Greta lost the antique vase to a sniper who bid just before the auction closed.

lose [item] to a sniper who bids late

Common collocations
  • auction sniper
  • sniper bid
  • sniper software
Synonyms
  • bidder

    any person who makes an offer in an auction; does not imply last-second timing

Usage Note

The related verb snipe is also common in this context (e.g., He sniped the auction in the last two seconds).

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Sniper, sharpshooter, marksman, gunman, and shooter all refer to people using guns, but they differ in key ways. A sniper specifically fires from a hidden position, often in military or law enforcement operations, and the word carries a strong element of concealment. A sharpshooter emphasizes accuracy and steady aim — this term is common in police teams (e.g., a police sharpshooter) and in sports shooting. Marksman is a broader label for anyone who can hit targets accurately, often after formal training or testing; it does not imply hiding or attacking people. Gunman is a more general word for a person using a gun in a crime, with no suggestion of skill or stealth. Shooter is the most neutral and broad term — it can describe anyone who fires a gun, from a sportsperson to a criminal. For example: 'The police sent a sniper to the rooftop' (concealment is key) versus 'The police sent a sharpshooter to the competition' (accuracy is key) versus 'The gunman ran into the bank' (no concealment, just crime).

sharpshootermarksman ↗gunman ↗shooter

Common collocations

Prepositions

  • sniper from [a group / a place]

Etymology

Englishfrom 'snipe' (the bird)+ -er suffix

The word 'sniper' comes from the bird called a 'snipe,' which was known for being very fast and difficult to hunt. Hunters who were skilled enough to shoot a snipe were called 'snipers.' Over time, the term shifted from expert bird hunters to military shooters who fire from hidden positions — because both require great patience, accuracy, and the ability to hit a small, moving target.