sniper

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Informal

n. a person who places a winning bid at the very last second of an online auction.

n. an individual or automated script that places a bid in the final seconds of an auction to prevent competitors from responding.

“I thought I had won the vintage watch, but a sniper outbid me in the last three seconds.”

“The prevalence of automated snipers has changed the way collectors approach online bidding, often rendering early participation in an auction redundant.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Sports Slang

n. a player who is very good at shooting and scoring goals, especially in hockey.

n. a player, particularly in ice hockey or lacrosse, noted for their exceptional accuracy and ability to score goals from various positions.

“The team signed a new sniper to help improve their scoring record this season.”

“As a natural sniper, he possesses the rare ability to find the smallest openings in the goalie's defense even under heavy pressure.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Literary · Informal

n. someone who makes quick, sharp criticisms of other people.

n. a person who delivers sharp, often anonymous or unexpected verbal attacks or criticisms.

“The politician had to deal with several snipers in the press who hated his new policy.”

“The CEO ignored the snipers on social media, focusing instead on the long-term growth of the company rather than petty grievances.”