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
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.”
Synonyms
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.”
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.” “When was the last time you played an arcadey on-rails space shooter?” 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
VERB
NOUN
Idioms
01. square shooter
02. straight shooter
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.
- 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
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