Definition of snipe
snipes
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
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Origin and Etymology of snipe
Middle English, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse snīpa snipe; akin to Old High German snepfa snipe
snipe
Definition of snipe
sniped
;sniping
intransitive verb
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
sniper
nounExamples of snipe in a Sentence
Enemy fighters sniped at them from vacant buildings.
One of the senators sniped, “What does he think this is, a monarchy?”.
First Known Use of snipe
1832
SNIPE Defined for English Language Learners
snipe
playDefinition of snipe for English Language Learners
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: a bird with a long thin beak that lives in wet areas
snipe
Definition of snipe for English Language Learners
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: to shoot at someone from a hidden place
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: to criticize someone or something in a harsh or unfair way
SNIPE Defined for Kids
Definition of snipe for Students
snipes
orsnipe
: a bird that lives in marshes and has a long straight bill
Definition of snipe for Students
sniped
;sniping
1 : to shoot from a hiding place (as at individual enemy soldiers)
2 : to criticize someone in a harsh or unfair way
sniper
nounLearn More about snipe
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See words that rhyme with snipe Spanish Central: Translation of snipe Nglish: Translation of snipe for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about snipe
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