A marksman is someone who shoots with exceptional accuracy, whether with a rifle, bow, or other projectile weapon. It describes someone who can consistently hit what they're aiming at.

In the military, marksmen go through special training to shoot precisely at long distances. A skilled marksman can hit a target the size of a dinner plate from hundreds of yards away. Police departments also train marksmen (sometimes called sharpshooters) for situations requiring extremely careful aim.

The term isn't limited to professionals. At summer camp, the best shooter in archery class might earn a marksman badge. In the old American West, legendary figures like Annie Oakley became famous for their marksmanship, performing in Wild West shows where they'd shoot targets while riding horses or hit coins tossed in the air.

Marksmanship is the skill itself. It requires steady hands, controlled breathing, intense focus, and lots of practice. Whether someone's aiming at paper targets on a range or competing in the Olympics, good marksmanship means hitting what you're aiming for, shot after shot. The word applies to people of any gender, though you'll sometimes hear “markswoman” used specifically for female shooters.