nabbed; nabbing

transitive verb

1
: to catch or seize in arrest : apprehend
2
: to seize suddenly

Examples of nab in a Sentence

We nabbed seats in the front row of the theater. the officer nabbed the purse snatcher before he could escape
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.
The franchise also moved up 10 spots to third in 1999 and selected Baron Davis, tying for the largest jump in NBA history, and also rose five places in 2020 NBA Draft Lottery to nab LaMelo Ball third overall. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2025 However, ants are territorial with peony nectar and won’t tolerate other insects trying to nab it. Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025 Additionally, Riley Green and Post Malone each nabbed five nominations. Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 9 May 2025 Educators can also nab 20 percent off their in-store purchases, according to USA Today. Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for nab

Word History

Etymology

perhaps alteration of English dialect nap

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nab was in 1686

Cite this Entry

“Nab.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nab. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

nab

verb
nabbed; nabbing
1
: to seize and take into custody : arrest
2
: to seize suddenly
especially : steal entry 1 sense 2a

More from Merriam-Webster on nab

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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