English Reference

Word

shooter

Phoneticsshoot·er, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈʃutɝ/

UK/ʃˈuːtɐ/

Definitions

01person with a weapon

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a person who shoots a gun or a bow and arrow.

n. an individual who discharges a firearm or other projectile weapon, such as an archer or marksman.

“The police were looking for a lone shooter who had been seen near the park.”

“The Olympic shooter maintained a steady breath as she aligned her sights with the distant target, demonstrating remarkable focus under pressure.”

02video game genre

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Computing

n. a video game where the main goal is to shoot enemies.

n. a subgenre of action video games where the gameplay is primarily focused on the use of firearms or other long-range weapons.

“He spent the whole weekend playing a first-person shooter with his friends online.”

“Modern tactical shooters often prioritise realistic ballistics and team coordination over the fast-paced, arcade-style mechanics of earlier titles.”

Synonyms

FPS

03alcoholic drink

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal

n. a small alcoholic drink, often a mix of different spirits, served in a shot glass.

n. a small serving of spirits or a mixed alcoholic beverage intended to be consumed in a single swallow.

“The bartender prepared a round of shooters for the birthday party.”

“The menu featured a variety of colourful shooters, ranging from sweet fruit-based mixtures to potent combinations of tequila and spicy liqueurs.”

Synonyms

04photographer

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal · Technical

n. a person who takes professional photos or videos.

n. a professional photographer or cinematographer, especially one working in a fast-paced or journalistic environment.

“The magazine hired a local shooter to cover the music festival.”

“As a veteran shooter for the news agency, she had developed an instinct for being in the right place before the action even started.”

05loyal supporter

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Slang

n. a very loyal friend or fan who will always defend you.

n. a loyal associate or advocate prepared to defend a person's interests, sometimes by aggressive means.

“He is a real shooter for his team and always speaks up for them.”

“In the competitive world of corporate politics, having a few dedicated shooters in your inner circle can be the difference between success and a forced resignation.”

Synonyms

Real-World Examples

“I’ve lost my child, as well as my parents.” The shooter used his grandfather’s gun to kill his grandparents before heading to the school.”
The Guardian 12 Aug 2026
“When was the last time you played an arcadey on-rails space shooter?”
The Guardian 12 Aug 2026

Etymology

From Middle English schoter, schuter, schotter, scheter, schetare, scheotere, from Old English sċēotere (“shooter”), equivalent to shoot + -er. Compare Dutch schieter, schutter (“shooter”), German Schießer (“shooter”), Swedish skjutare, West Frisian sjitter (“shooter”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

Idioms

The word in film

Shooter · 2007 · Mystery

Directed by:
Antoine Fuqua
Starring:
Mark Wahlberg, Danny Glover, Kate Mara

Antoine Fuqua directs this mystery about a highly skilled marksman who is framed for a crime he did not commit. Mark Wahlberg stars as the expert gunman who must use his combat training to survive and find the truth.

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/shooter

English Reference