Sniper
/ˈsnaɪ.pər/noun
A person who shoots from a concealed position, especially with a rifle, often at long range.
Did you know?The word began as a hunting term for someone skilled at shooting snipe, and only later was it transferred to hidden military marksmen.
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
English
snipe
“A small, elusive marsh bird”
18th Century
English
sniper
“Originally, a person who hunted snipe”
19th Century
English
sniper
“A sharpshooter, especially one who shoots from concealment”
Modern English
English
sniper
“A concealed marksman who shoots from a hidden position”