bushwhacker

noun

bush·​whack·​er
ˈbu̇sh-ˌ(h)wa-kər
variants or less commonly bushwacker
ˈbu̇sh-ˌ(h)wa-kər
or less commonly bushwhack
plural -s
Synonyms of bushwhackernext
: one that bushwhacks: such as
a
: a person who clears away the bush (as in preparing land for grazing)
also : an implement for this
b
: one that lives in or frequents the woods : woodsman
c
: a Confederate soldier who engaged in guerrilla warfare in the Civil War
d
: one that fires from ambush : sniper
e
: a deserter or draft dodger who became an outlaw especially during and after the Civil War
g

Word History

Etymology

bushwhacker from bush entry 1 + whacker; bushwacker & bushwack, alteration of bushwhacker

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Cite this Entry

“Bushwhacker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bushwhacker. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

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