snapped; snapping
1
a
: to make a sudden closing of the jaws : seize something sharply with the mouth
fish snapping at the bait
b
: to grasp at something eagerly : make a pounce or snatch
snap at any chance
2
: to utter sharp biting words : bark out irritable or peevish retorts
3
a
: to break suddenly with a sharp sound
the twig snapped
b
: to give way suddenly under emotional stress or strain
He snapped under the pressure of the job.
4
a
: to make a sharp or crackling sound
b
: to use your thumb and fingers to make a short sharp sound
People snapped to the beat.
5
: to close or fit in place with an abrupt movement or sharp sound
the lock snapped shut
6
a
: to move briskly or sharply
snaps to attention
b
: to undergo a sudden and rapid change (as from one condition to another)
snap out of it
snapped awake
1
: to seize with or as if with a snap of the jaws
2
: to take possession or advantage of suddenly or eagerly
—usually used with up
shoppers snapping up bargains
3
a
: to retort to or interrupt curtly and irritably
b
: to utter curtly or abruptly
4
: to break suddenly : break short or in two
5
a
: to cause to make a snapping sound
snap a whip
b
: to make a snapping sound by moving (thumb and finger) against one another
c
: to put into or remove from a particular position by a sudden movement or with a sharp sound
snap the lock shut
6
a
: to project with a snap
snapped a spitball across the classroom
b
: to put (a football) in play with a snap
c(1)
: to take photographically
snapping exclusive news pictures—
Current Biography
Current Biography
(2)
: to take a snapshot of
snapped the scenery
1
: an abrupt closing (as of the mouth in biting or of scissors in cutting)
2
a
archaic
: a share of profits or booty
b
: something that brings quick and easy profit or advantage
c
: something that is easy and presents no problems : cinch
3
: a small amount : bit
4
a
: an act or instance of seizing abruptly : a sudden snatching at something
b
: a quick short movement
lithe snaps of its body—Barbara Taylor
Barbara Taylor
c
: a sudden sharp breaking
5
a
: a sound made by snapping something
shut the book with a snap
b
: a brief sharp and usually irritable speech or retort
6
: a sudden spell of weather
a cold snap
7
: a catch or fastening that closes or locks with a click
the snap of a bracelet
8
: a flat brittle cookie compare gingersnap
9
: snapshot
10
11
football
: the act of a center's putting the ball in play from its position on the ground by quickly passing it between the legs back to a teammate (such as a quarterback) : the act of snapping the ball
The quarterback fumbled the snap. [=fumbled the ball when it was snapped to him]
: with a snap
1
: done, made, or carried through suddenly or without deliberation
a snap judgment
2
: called or taken without prior warning
a snap election
3
: fastening with a snap
a snap lock
4
: unusually easy or simple
a snap course
Synonyms
Examples of snap in a Sentence
Verb
The branch snapped and fell to the ground.
The earpiece of his glasses snapped off.
She snapped the twig in two.
The boy snapped the wing off his toy airplane.
The bent tree snapped back into an upright position.
I snapped the lid shut.
She snapped the pieces together.
She snapped her handbag shut.
Noun
I've trained the dog to come to me with a snap of my fingers.
The snap of the bracelet broke.
Adjective
a snap course that even an idiot could pass
Recent Examples on the WebAbby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2024
Their joint photo was accompanied by one individual snap each of King Frederik, 55, and Queen Mary, 52, in their gala finery — the King in the Navy’s full dress uniform and the Queen in a deep green gown with lace sleeves and a high neck.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 25 Apr. 2024
She’s been submerging herself over and over for two minutes at a time, holding her breath for the duration, while the photographer William Drumm snaps her sinking beneath a white wooden door.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2024
Beside me, Cynthia Erivo snapped her ivory-polished fingers in the air.
—Meredith Maran, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024
The latest icon to wear flaming-red ballet flats is model Taylor Hill, who was just snapped in an off-duty look loaded with coolness last week.
—Selene Oliva, Glamour, 22 Apr. 2024
Harper pulls out his phone to snap a photo of the lightning fast player hailing from Malawi, who is playing her first season with the Current.
—Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2024
Take in the views from the top and snap some memorable photos.
—Jp Shaffer, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2024
Luke Richey and Tyler Lang scored Live Oak’s only two goals of the game as the Acorns (6-3) had their four-game winning streak snapped.
—Nathan Canilao, The Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2024
Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 17 Apr. 2024
One snap shows Timberlake looking at a gigantic image of himself blown up on the screen backdropping the stage, while another captures the former boy bander finding his place underneath two conjoining spotlights.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 17 Apr. 2024
The magnetic end snaps on the charging port of the handle easily enough, and the light on the bottom of the brush shines to keep you updated on its progress.
—PCMAG, 16 Apr. 2024
Coleman played snaps at every offensive line position for the Horned Frogs except center.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2024
The starters played limited snaps, and thus the reserves played hard through a more scrimmage-like setting than last year’s event.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2024
This ability to make snap decisions may benefit sports performance [11].
—Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024
Over the weekend, Jenner shared a snap of herself perched on rocks wearing a black triangle bikini with metallic studs.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2024
The snap would have been taken when Diana was seven-years-old, while Charles would have been just four.
—Harriet Johnston, Glamour, 5 Apr. 2024
Rich Campbell, chicagotribune.com, 7 Sep. 2019
Investors look at Snap’s new user numbers as an important metric to gauge the company’s future growth.
—Jonathan Vanian, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2017
During the recession and in the years that followed, SNAP expanded to accommodate the increased number of people who needed food assistance.
—Greg Trotter, chicagotribune.com, 4 May 2017
Snap’s new technology, a 3-D lens, can also change and shift in response to physical objects.
—Katie Benner, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2017
Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2024
Those opportunities, at least from a snap count perspective, will come out of the competition this summer at training camp.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 11 Apr. 2024
The stylish coat utilizes snap buttons to cover the full-length zipper and a hook for easy storage.
—Casey Clark, Parents, 5 Mar. 2024
The water-resistant shell is durable for all elements, and its snap placket over the zippered closure just adds extra protection and warmth.
—Megan Schaltegger, Southern Living, 20 Mar. 2024
The Long-Sleeve Supima Square-Neck Bodysuit is another excellent choice for a bodysuit with snap gusset closures.
—Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024
Popovich told the council that more humane alternatives are snap traps, live traps or electric traps.
—Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2024
Unlike typical passport wallets featuring snap closures, this one boasts a wraparound zipper instead — ensuring the secure storage of passports, credit cards, cash, and more during your journeys.
—Austa Somvichian-Clausen, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2024
Show more That has set off speculation that Netanyahu is under pressure from both his left- and right-wing flanks, spelling a potentially wider shakeup — and perhaps even a snap election.
—Abigail Williams, NBC News, 30 Jan. 2024
Verb
Day-trippers can also pre-pay for tickets online via the city’s official tourism site or snap them up in-person at the Santa Lucia train station.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2024
Their joint photo was accompanied by one individual snap each of King Frederik, 55, and Queen Mary, 52, in their gala finery — the King in the Navy’s full dress uniform and the Queen in a deep green gown with lace sleeves and a high neck.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 25 Apr. 2024
She’s been submerging herself over and over for two minutes at a time, holding her breath for the duration, while the photographer William Drumm snaps her sinking beneath a white wooden door.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2024
Beside me, Cynthia Erivo snapped her ivory-polished fingers in the air.
—Meredith Maran, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024
The latest icon to wear flaming-red ballet flats is model Taylor Hill, who was just snapped in an off-duty look loaded with coolness last week.
—Selene Oliva, Glamour, 22 Apr. 2024
Harper pulls out his phone to snap a photo of the lightning fast player hailing from Malawi, who is playing her first season with the Current.
—Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2024
Take in the views from the top and snap some memorable photos.
—Jp Shaffer, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2024
Luke Richey and Tyler Lang scored Live Oak’s only two goals of the game as the Acorns (6-3) had their four-game winning streak snapped.
—Nathan Canilao, The Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2024
Noun
The Beckham's eldest son Brooklyn, 25, also shared a throwback snap of him being carried by Victoria at the beach.
—Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 17 Apr. 2024
One snap shows Timberlake looking at a gigantic image of himself blown up on the screen backdropping the stage, while another captures the former boy bander finding his place underneath two conjoining spotlights.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 17 Apr. 2024
The magnetic end snaps on the charging port of the handle easily enough, and the light on the bottom of the brush shines to keep you updated on its progress.
—PCMAG, 16 Apr. 2024
Coleman played snaps at every offensive line position for the Horned Frogs except center.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2024
The starters played limited snaps, and thus the reserves played hard through a more scrimmage-like setting than last year’s event.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2024
This ability to make snap decisions may benefit sports performance [11].
—Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024
Over the weekend, Jenner shared a snap of herself perched on rocks wearing a black triangle bikini with metallic studs.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2024
The snap would have been taken when Diana was seven-years-old, while Charles would have been just four.
—Harriet Johnston, Glamour, 5 Apr. 2024
Adverb
Roy Robertson-Harris steamrolled center Corey Linsley on his first-quarter sack (4.9 seconds snap-to-throw).
—Rich Campbell, chicagotribune.com, 7 Sep. 2019
Investors look at Snap’s new user numbers as an important metric to gauge the company’s future growth.
—Jonathan Vanian, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2017
During the recession and in the years that followed, SNAP expanded to accommodate the increased number of people who needed food assistance.
—Greg Trotter, chicagotribune.com, 4 May 2017
Snap’s new technology, a 3-D lens, can also change and shift in response to physical objects.
—Katie Benner, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2017
Adjective
Upset by a number of his decisions made in his six months as speaker, including bringing up foreign aid to Ukraine for a vote and working with Democrats to pass major legislation, conservative lawmakers have threatened to force a snap referendum on Johnson.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2024
Those opportunities, at least from a snap count perspective, will come out of the competition this summer at training camp.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 11 Apr. 2024
The stylish coat utilizes snap buttons to cover the full-length zipper and a hook for easy storage.
—Casey Clark, Parents, 5 Mar. 2024
The water-resistant shell is durable for all elements, and its snap placket over the zippered closure just adds extra protection and warmth.
—Megan Schaltegger, Southern Living, 20 Mar. 2024
The Long-Sleeve Supima Square-Neck Bodysuit is another excellent choice for a bodysuit with snap gusset closures.
—Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024
Popovich told the council that more humane alternatives are snap traps, live traps or electric traps.
—Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2024
Unlike typical passport wallets featuring snap closures, this one boasts a wraparound zipper instead — ensuring the secure storage of passports, credit cards, cash, and more during your journeys.
—Austa Somvichian-Clausen, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2024
Show more That has set off speculation that Netanyahu is under pressure from both his left- and right-wing flanks, spelling a potentially wider shakeup — and perhaps even a snap election.
—Abigail Williams, NBC News, 30 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'snap.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near snap
Cite this Entry
“Snap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snap. Accessed 1 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
snap
1 of 3 verb
snapped; snapping
1
a
: to make a sudden closing of the jaws : seize something sharply with the mouth
fish snapping at the bait
b
: to grasp at something eagerly
snapped at the chance to travel
c
: to take possession of at once
—usually used with up
snap up a bargain
2
: to speak sharply or irritably
snap at a questioner
3
a
: to break or break apart suddenly especially with a sharp sound
the twig snapped
snapped the bone in two
b
: to give way or cause to give way suddenly under stress
the rope snapped
c
: to bring to a sudden end
snapped the opposing team's winning streak
4
: to make or cause to make a sharp or crackling sound
snap a whip
5
a
: to close or fit in place with a quick movement
the lid snapped shut
b
: to put into or remove from a position by a sudden movement or with a snapping sound
snap off a switch
c
: to close by snaps or fasteners
snapped up the snowsuit
6
a
: to move briskly or sharply
snapped to attention
b
: to undergo a sudden and rapid change (as from one condition to another)
snapped out of his bad mood
c
: to put (a football) in play especially by passing or handing backward between the legs
d
: to take a snapshot of
snap
2 of 3 noun1
: a quick closing (as of the mouth in biting or of scissors in cutting)
especially
: a biting or snatching with the teeth or jaws
2
: something that is easy and presents no problems : cinch
3
: a small amount : bit
don't care a snap
4
a
: a sudden snatching at something
b
: a quick short movement
c
: a sudden sharp breaking
5
: a sound made by snapping something
shut the book with a snap
6
: a sudden spell of harsh weather
a cold snap
7
: a catch or fastening that closes or locks with a click
snap of a bracelet
8
: a thin brittle cookie
9
: snapshot
10
: smartness of movement or speech : energy
11
: an act or instance of snapping a football
snap
3 of 3 adjective1
: made suddenly or without careful thought
a snap judgment
2
: shutting or fastening with a click or by means of a device that snaps
a snap lock
3
: unusually easy
a snap course
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