strzelec

Strzelec is a Polish noun meaning rifleman or shooter. It derives from the verb strzelać, to shoot, and is used to describe a person skilled in shooting, typically within military, paramilitary, or sport contexts. In everyday language it can simply refer to someone who shoots.

Historically, the term became associated with patriotic and paramilitary organizations in Poland, especially in the era of partitions. The Związek Strzelecki, commonly known as the Riflemen’s Association, used the term in reference to its members and aimed to organize training in firearms, drill, and fieldcraft to support national defense. These groups contributed to broader efforts toward Polish independence and the formation of the Polish armed forces after regaining independence in the 20th century.

In modern Polish usage, strzelec remains a general descriptor for a person who shoots and is used in sport shooting as well as in civilian shooting clubs. The related term strzelectwo denotes the sport of shooting, and the word strzelec also appears as a Polish surname.

The term is primarily linguistic and historical in scope, with its strongest associations in the contexts of Polish linguistic usage, historical organizations dedicated to defense training, and contemporary sport shooting.