'sniper' originates from the verb 'snipe,' which comes from the Old English word 'snīpa,' referring to a type of bird that was difficult to shoot.

'snīpa' transformed into the verb 'snipe' in Middle English, and eventually became the modern English word 'sniper' in the 18th century.

Initially, it referred to shooting at snipe birds, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of shooting from a concealed position.