Meaning & use

Skirmisher

noun·Advanced

Last updated

A soldier, especially one deployed ahead of the main force, who engages in brief, irregular fighting rather than large-scale battle.

See it in a sentence

Light infantry skirmishers were sent ahead to scout the enemy's position and harass their flanks.

In historical wargames, skirmishers typically move quickly but carry lighter armor than the main line troops.

A note on using this word

Skirmishers were historically prized for mobility and marksmanship, often operating in loose formation rather than the tight ranks used by regular infantry.

Words with a similar meaning

scoutsharpshooter

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