First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1snipe
noun \ˈsnīp\
: a bird with a long thin beak that lives in wet areas
plural snipes
Full 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
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Origin of SNIPE
Middle English, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse snīpa snipe; akin to Old High German snepfa snipe
2snipe
intransitive verb
: to shoot at someone from a hidden place
: to criticize someone or something in a harsh or unfair way
snipedsnip·ing
Full 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
First Known Use of SNIPE
1832
SNIPES Defined for Kids
1snipe
noun \ˈsnīp\
plural snipes or snipe
Definition of SNIPE for Kids
: a bird that lives in marshes and has a long straight bill
2snipe
verb
snipedsnip·ing
Definition of SNIPE for Kids
1
: to shoot from a hiding place (as at individual enemy soldiers)
2
: to criticize someone in a harsh or unfair way
— snip·er noun
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