# sniper

/ˈsnaɪpɝ/ (US) · /snˈaɪpɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sniper
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. military marksman

noun · CEFR B2

a person who shoots at targets from a hidden place, usually from a long distance.

For teachers: a marksman who operates from a concealed position to engage targets at distances exceeding the capabilities of standard infantry.

- The sniper hid in the tall grass and waited for the target to appear.
- Military snipers are trained to remain stationary for hours, maintaining focus on a single objective while remaining entirely undetected by enemy patrols.

### 2. online auctions

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Often used as a verb 'to snipe' in the same context.

### 3. sports scorer

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. a critic

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Informal

someone who makes quick, sharp criticisms of other people.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The sniper hid on the roof of the tall building.
- The police called in a sniper to monitor the situation from a safe distance during the standoff.
- Modern military doctrine treats the sniper not just as a marksman, but as a vital reconnaissance asset capable of providing real-time intelligence while remaining entirely undetected by enemy forces.

---

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.