Definition of snag
1a : a tree or branch embedded in a lake or stream bed and constituting a hazard to navigationb : a standing dead tree
2 : a rough sharp or jagged projecting part : protuberance: such asa : a projecting tooth; also : a stump of a toothb : one of the secondary branches of an antler
3 : a concealed or unexpected difficulty or obstacle
4a : a jagged tear made by or as if by catching on a snagb : an irregularity that suggests the result of tearing; especially : a pulled thread in fabric a snag in her stocking
From the M-W Editors
Examples of snag in a Sentence
I caught my sleeve on a snag and tore it.
My sweater has a snag where I caught it on a nail.
Recent Examples of snag from the Web
-
By July 2nd about half of the 120m ballot papers for the six sets of elections (including for governors of 47 counties and for women’s special representation) had been printed, though a last-minute snag has arisen.
-
The official opening occurred at 10 a.m. on Aug. 3, 1916, when the snag steamer the Swinomish, accompanied by the Orcas, traveled through the larger lock.
-
After customizing your pie with everything from pesto to prosciutto, snag a seat under the gnarled olive tree growing right in the center of the dining room.
-
Get there early enough to place a bet on the color of Her Majesty’s hat and snag a park bench on the shaded lawn in front of the grandstand to watch the parade of fashion.
-
A similar travel snag happened last June, when he was cut from the U18 national team.
-
City Hall Observation Deck Walk into the city’s elegant 1928 control center, snag a visitor’s pass from the front desk,and take two elevators to the 26th floor.
-
City Hall Observation Deck Walk into the city’s elegant 1928 control center, snag a visitor’s pass from the front desk,and take two elevators to the 26th floor.
-
Trolley status The city has hit a snag in its efforts to get a trolley system in Havre de Grace, Martin said Monday.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'snag.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of snag
perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse snagi clothes peg
snag
Definition of snag
snagged
;snagging
transitive verb
1a : to catch and usually damage on or as if on a snagb : to halt or impede as if by catching on a snag
2 : to hew, trim, or cut roughly or jaggedly
3 : to clear (something, such as a river) of snags
4 : to catch or obtain usually by quick action or good fortune
Examples of snag in a Sentence
I snagged my favorite sweater on a nail.
The shortstop snagged the grounder.
The police snagged the suspect as he was trying to run away.
I managed to snag the information I needed from the Internet.
Can I snag a ride from you?
Recent Examples of snag from the Web
-
Snag a snack during a detour While avoiding the interstate altogether might avoid major snares, traffic on side routes will be congested with people who had the same idea.
-
Snag a table right next to the water for the idyllic view and watch lobsters caught right in front of you.
-
Now Playing Unlike virtually every other primate, spider monkeys have no thumbs, which could snag on the branches.
-
A literature enthusiast's heaven, the Chicago Book and Paper Fair at the Chicago Journeyman Plumbers Union Hall (1340 W. Washington) offers the opportunity to snag rare copies of your favorite novels.
-
Hop on right at 11 a.m. for the best chance at snagging an audience with the pups.
-
All four of them snagged the key trio of noms for best musical, book and original score, as well as direction, meaning each of the shows was highly regarded by the Tony nominating committee.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'snag.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of snag
1807
SNAG Defined for English Language Learners
snag
playDefinition of snag for English Language Learners
-
: an unexpected problem or difficulty
-
: a sharp or broken part of something that sticks out from a smooth surface
-
: a thread that sticks out from a piece of cloth
snag
Definition of snag for English Language Learners
-
: to catch and tear (something) on something sharp
-
: to catch, capture, or get (something or someone) by quick action or good luck
SNAG Defined for Kids
Definition of snag for Students
1 : a rough or broken part sticking out from something
2 : an unexpected difficulty Our plan hit a snag.
3 : a stump or stub of a tree branch especially when hidden under water
Definition of snag for Students
snagged
;snagging
1 : to catch or damage on or as if on a part sticking up or out He snagged his sleeve on a nail.
2 : to catch or capture by or as if by reaching out quickly and grabbing I was snagged by the teacher on my way out.
Learn More about snag
-
See words that rhyme with snag Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for snag Spanish Central: Translation of snag Nglish: Translation of snag for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of snag for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up snag? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!