# snipe

/ˈsnaɪp/ (US) · /snˈaɪp/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/snipe
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

to make a quick, mean comment about someone. It can also mean to shoot at someone from a hidden place far away.

For teachers: to make a critical or mocking remark, typically in a sudden or indirect manner. Also refers to firing a shot from a concealed position at long range.

## Examples

- They often snipe at each other during office meetings.
- Political rivals often snipe at one another in the press rather than debating the actual policy details.
- The columnists continued to snipe at the administration's failures, though their criticisms lacked the substantive data required to sway public opinion.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He sniped his coworker's idea." but "He sniped at his coworker's idea." — In the sense of verbal criticism, the verb is intransitive and requires the preposition 'at' before the target.

## Usage notes

- When meaning to criticize, it is intransitive and almost always takes the preposition 'at'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.