snag

play

noun \ˈsnag\

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

snaggy

play \ˈsna-gē\ adjective

See snag defined for English-language learners

See snag defined for kids

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

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.

— s.pellegrino, Bon Appetit, "Ludo Lefebvre’s Edible Guide to The Valley", 26 June 2017
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.

— steven stolman, Town & Country, "How to Get into the Royal Enclosure at Ascot", 23 June 2017
A similar travel snag happened last June, when he was cut from the U18 national team.

— fletcher page, The Courier-Journal, "Mitchell Robinson ready for 'special things at Western Kentucky'", 21 June 2017
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.

— Los Angeles Magazine, "The 54 Best Things To Do in Downtown L.A. Right Now", 20 June 2017
Trolley status The city has hit a snag in its efforts to get a trolley system in Havre de Grace, Martin said Monday.

— erika butler, The Aegis, "HdG covering $25,000 of Susquehanna Hose Company's gas for next fiscal year", 15 June 2017
Travel Ban Troubles Donald Trump's travel ban hit another snag Monday.

— kevin vellturo, courant.com, "5 Things To Know Tuesday", 12 June 2017
Those efforts hit a snag in February when the company posted fourth-quarter earnings that were below expectations and took a C$600 million writedown.

— scott deveau, Bloomberg.com, "Yellow Pages Said to Hire Advisers for Canada Bond Refinance", 7 June 2017
Oak Park-River Forest's quest to repeat as Class 4A state softball champion rarely has hit a snag this season.

— bob narang, chicagotribune.com, "OPRF softball passes supersectional test, advances downstate again", 6 June 2017

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

NEW!

First Known Use: circa 1587

See Words from the same year

snag

verb

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

See snag defined for English-language learners

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?

First Known Use of snag

1807

SNAG Defined for English Language Learners

snag

play

noun

Definition 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

verb

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

snag

play

noun \ˈsnag\

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

snag

play

verb

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.