marksman

[ mahrks-muhn ]

noun

, plural marks·men.

1. a person who is skilled in shooting at a mark; a person who shoots well.
2. Military.
   1. the lowest rating in rifle marksmanship, below that of sharpshooter and expert.
   2. a person who has achieved such a rating.

marksman

/ ˈmɑːksmən /

noun

1. a person skilled in shooting
2. a serviceman selected for his skill in shooting, esp for a minor engagement
3. a qualification awarded in certain armed services for skill in shooting

Gender Note

See -man.

Derived Forms

• ˈmarksmanˌship, noun
• ˈmarksˌwoman, noun:feminine

Other Words From

• marksman·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of marksman¹

First recorded in 1645–55; mark ¹ + 's ¹ + -man

Example Sentences

The first was classic Salah, his mere presence seemingly scrambling the mind of Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, whose injudicious dash from goal was enough for Liverpool’s marksman to swoop.

From BBC

The police marksman is to appear on Channel 4's Shoot To Kill: Terror On The Tube after remaining anonymous since the killing.

From BBC

Mr Kaba’s family were in the courtroom to hear the police marksman’s evidence.

From BBC

A police marksman shot Chris Kaba dead believing "one or many" officers could be killed as the suspect attempted to escape at "any cost", a court has heard.

From BBC

A Metropolitan Police marksman may have been "angry, frustrated and annoyed" when he took the decision to shoot to kill Chris Kaba, a court has heard.

From BBC

Related Words

• sharpshooter
• sniper