schnapps

noun \ ˈshnaps \

Updated on: 1 Apr 2018

Definition of schnapps

plural schnapps

: any of various liquors of high alcoholic content; especially : strong Holland gin

See schnapps defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of schnapps from the Web

Over meals of schnitzel and schnapps in Vienna, his team sought to bridge the gap between European concerns and Mr. Trump’s demands.

— gardiner harris, New York Times, "U.S. Taking Negotiations ‘One Week at a Time’ on Expiring Iran Deal," 21 Mar. 2018
He’s named two drinks in honor of the show: The Big Tasty combines creme de cocoa, cherry vodka, and Coke, while the JTP (aka Jenkintown Posse) has orange juice, Tanqueray gin, and peach schnapps.

— michael klein, Philly.com, "Best cheesesteak? It's Donkey's Place in Camden, per 'The Goldbergs'," 5 Mar. 2018
It's made up of Brut champagne (get it?!?), peach schnapps and cranberry.

— sarah riley, The Courier-Journal, "There's a new D.C. cocktail dedicated to Rand Paul's neighborly incident," 19 Jan. 2018
Now the wet ingredients: in a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and peach schnapps. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry.

— the washington post, OregonLive.com, "Dress up chicken drumsticks with maple and cranberry flavors," 16 Jan. 2018
Prior to 90-minute rehearsal at Turner Hall, a few warmed their voices with a shot of peach schnapps.

— barry adams, The Seattle Times, "Wisconsin German men’s choir brings men together," 8 Dec. 2017
A few years after buying the property, the couple built a gazebo for their annual August crayfish parties, a Swedish tradition involving glasses of schnapps, funny hats and platters of countless crayfish harvested from local lakes and streams.

— j.s. marcus, WSJ, "A Swedish Mansion Once Home to Army Officers and a Nobleman," 18 Oct. 2017
No peppermint schnapps and certainly no combination of mint + Ovaltine, Chocolate syrup, and please, please no mint-chocolate liquors of any kind.

— Southern Living, "Celebrity Evan Farmer's Grill Party Menu," 2 June 2011
Denny's now has Crown [Royale], Jack [Daniels], vodka, schnapps...

— colin stutz, Billboard, "Sammy Hagar, Zakk Wylde & More Have a Heavy Metal 'High School Reunion' at 2017 Loudwire Music Awards," 26 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'schnapps.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of schnapps

German Schnaps, literally, dram of liquor, from Low German snaps dram, mouthful, from snappen to snap

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1796

See Words from the same year

SCHNAPPS Defined for English Language Learners

schnapps

noun

Definition of schnapps for English Language Learners

: a type of strong liquor

Learn More about schnapps

See words that rhyme with schnapps

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up schnapps? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

schnapps

Definition of schnapps

Recent Examples of schnapps from the Web

Origin and Etymology of schnapps

SCHNAPPS Defined for English Language Learners

schnapps

Definition of schnapps for English Language Learners

Learn More about schnapps

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

grudging

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

Name That Thing

Word Winder's CrossWinder

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

schnapps

Definition of schnapps

Recent Examples of schnapps from the Web

Origin and Etymology of schnapps

SCHNAPPS Defined for English Language Learners

schnapps

Definition of schnapps for English Language Learners

Learn More about schnapps

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes