archer

noun

ar·​cher ˈär-chər How to pronounce archer (audio)
Synonyms of archernext
1
: a person who uses a bow and arrow
2
Archer : sagittarius

Examples of archer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
My editor at Vulture has informed me that this is the name of the mysterious archer who iced Criston from across that field. — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 27 July 2026 Here execution of Cole is a change from the book, as there Cole is shot by three Blackwood archers, but they’ve been turned into just Aly for the show. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 At times, Richie can be defiant and at other times respectful, depending on the circumstances, deepening his innate affinity with the archer. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 Jace broke free, pushed himself to the water's surface, and was then used for target practice by archers on nearby ships. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for archer

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin arcarius, alteration of arcuarius, from arcuarius of a bow, from Latin arcus bow — more at arrow

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of archer was in the 13th century

Rhymes for archer

See All Rhymes for archer

Browse Nearby Words

archepiscopal
archer
Archer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Archer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/archer. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

archer

noun
ar·​cher ˈär-chər How to pronounce archer (audio)
: a person who shoots with a bow and arrow

Biographical Definition

Archer

biographical name

Ar·​cher ˈär-chər How to pronounce Archer (audio)
William 1856–1924 Scottish critic and dramatist

More from Merriam-Webster on archer

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for archer

Nglish: Translation of archer for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

How long is a jiffy?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All