deadeye

[ ded-ahy ]

noun

, plural dead·eyes.

1. Nautical. either of a pair of disks of hardwood having holes through which a lanyard is rove: used to tighten shrouds and stays.
2. an expert marksman.

deadeye

/ ˈdɛdˌaɪ /

noun

1. nautical either of a pair of disclike wooden blocks, supported by straps in grooves around them, between which a line is rove so as to draw them together to tighten a shroud Compare bull's-eye
2. informal.
   an expert marksman

Word History and Origins

Origin of deadeye¹

1740–50; dead + eye; as nautical term, probably ellipsis from deadman's eye, Middle English dedmaneseye deadeye

Example Sentences

We see a nameless woman toss a baby off a waterfall and then turn herself into the authorities, going through these motions with a deadeye roboticism.

From New York Times

The sound of a ball hitting his bat, the thrill of making a deadeye throw — every part of the game made him feel it was exactly where he belonged.

From New York Times

Johnson was a passing maestro; Bird was a deadeye shooter.

From Washington Post

They looked the part on Saturday night, overwhelming Houston, 78-59, in a national semifinal by rediscovering their deadeye 3-point shooting and unleashing a clampdown defense.

From New York Times

And her skills — a deadeye shooter, crafty dribbler and prescient passer with an off-the-charts basketball I.Q. — have drawn shout-outs from LeBron James and Stephen Curry, as well as widespread adoration from those closer to Eugene.

From New York Times

Related Words

• sharpshooter
• sniper