snipe

¹snipe

noun \ˈsnīp\

plural snipes

Definition of SNIPE

1

or plural snipe : any of various usually slender-billed birds of the sandpiper family; especially : any of several game birds (especially genus Gallinago) especially of marshy areas

2

: a contemptible person

Origin of SNIPE

Middle English, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse snīpa snipe; akin to Old High German snepfa snipe

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with SNIPE

Cuyp, gripe, hype, pipe, ripe, stipe, stripe, swipe, tripe, type, wipe

²snipe

intransitive verb

snipedsnip·ing

Definition of SNIPE

1

: to shoot at exposed individuals (as of an enemy's forces) from a usually concealed point of vantage

2

: to aim a carping or snide attack

— snip·er noun

Examples of SNIPE

1. Enemy fighters sniped at them from vacant buildings.
2. One of the senators sniped, “What does he think this is, a monarchy?”.

First Known Use of SNIPE

1832

snipe

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Common snipe (Gallinago gallinago).—Ingmar Holmasen

Any of about 20 species of birds (family Scolopacidae) that frequent wet meadows and marshes in temperate and warm regions worldwide. They are short-legged and chunky, with brown, black, and white stripes and bars. The wings are pointed and angular. The long, flexible bill is used to probe mud for worms. The common snipe (Gallinago gallinago) is about 12 in. (30 cm) long, including the bill.