snag

noun \ ˈsnag \

Updated on: 22 May 2018

Definition of snag

1 a : a tree or branch embedded in a lake or stream bed and constituting a hazard to navigation

b : a standing dead tree

2 : a rough sharp or jagged projecting part : protuberance: such as

a : a projecting tooth; also : a stump of a tooth

b : one of the secondary branches of an antler

3 : a concealed or unexpected difficulty or obstacle

4 a : a jagged tear made by or as if by catching on a snag

b : 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

The renewal applications hit a snag as Medicaid rolls in California swelled following the expansion of the program under the Affordable Care Act.

— anna gorman, Washington Post, "L.A. County Unlawfully Terminated Thousands Of Medi-Cal Recipients, Court Rules," 17 May 2018
That episode is reflective of an auto maker that is more flawed than its bigger peers but also more nimble, determined to make dramatic changes on the fly in order to address product quality, production snags and consumer claims in real time.

— john d. stoll, WSJ, "Tesla’s Factory in a Fishbowl," 7 May 2018
After several deliveries, the team hits a snag: No one’s home.

— whitney eulich, The Christian Science Monitor, "Months after Maria, Puerto Ricans take recovery into their own hands," 7 May 2018
But the $1-billion program — plagued by performance snags and cost overruns — was halted in 2011.

— richard marosi, latimes.com, "Towers and cameras, not a wall, keep migrants from crossing the border into Arizona," 16 Apr. 2018
That comes as talks with local governments have also hit a snag, according to the judge overseeing the separate set of lawsuits.

— jef feeley, Bloomberg.com, "Drugmakers Balk Now at Multibillion Dollar Opioid Accord," 3 May 2018
There's a snag to assembling a PC in 2018, however.

— brendan nystedt, WIRED, "Want to Learn More About Computers? Try Building Your Own PC," 4 Apr. 2018
In 2017, the two hit a snag over Facebook’s subscription tool that would encourage users to subscribe to media organizations.

— sarah gray, Fortune, "Mark Zuckerberg Just Hit Back at Tim Cook — Here's the History of Tension Between Apple and Facebook," 2 Apr. 2018
Citizens' rights are one of the relatively easier parts of the negotiation to unravel more than 40 years of union, but hit a snag when Britain said those people arriving from the EU after Brexit day in March next year would be treated differently.

— jacob mcadams, Houston Chronicle, "Shepherd citizens address future problems at city council meeting," 26 Mar. 2018

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! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1587

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

snag Synonyms

Synonyms

booby trap, catch, gimmick, hitch, joker, pitfall;

Related Words

snare, trap, trip wire, web;

hazard, peril, risk;

bomb, bombshell, kicker, surprise (also surprize);

bait, decoy, lure;

snag

verb

Definition of snag

snagged; snagging

transitive verb

1 a : to catch and usually damage on or as if on a snag

b : 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?

Recent Examples of snag from the Web

Delgado drove a pitch deep into center field, but Talavera turned and ran after it, diving in the direction of the fence to snag the ball and record the out.

— nathan cambridge, latimes.com, "Burroughs' Miraglia shuts down Bonita in playoff win," 18 May 2018
Crowds swarmed the tables like fish at a feeding to snag fresh merchandise.

— anne kadet, WSJ, "New York City Is Swap Happy," 15 May 2018
The lines were infamously long, with dedicated fans camping out on the streets of SoHo in the rain and snow to not only shop the Lip Kits and palettes in person, but to snag a Kylie sighting.

— marci robin, Teen Vogue, "Kylie Cosmetics Is Opening a Pop-Up Shop in San Francisco," 15 May 2018
Among Republicans, Lower Merion real-estate executive Jeff Bartos easily edged out his three primary contenders to snag the nomination for lieutenant governor.

— Philly.com, "Braddock Mayor John Fetterman wins Pa. Democratic primary for lieutenant governor," 15 May 2018
Louisville at Clemson Louisville and Kentucky will each face playoff teams from last season in what looms as a football weekend dripping with an opportunity for each to snag a milestone victory.

— gentry estes, The Courier-Journal, "Here are a dozen college football games we can't wait to see in 2018," 14 May 2018
Some might dream big, like crashing a pool party at Soho House, or waking up early every morning to snag a mat at outdoor yoga.

— samantha sasso, refinery29.com, "The Best Hairstyles At Cannes Don't Require Any Hot Tools," 14 May 2018
And while last night’s party had to come to a close, those wanting to snag a piece of Korban’s inimitable style still have the chance to snap up one of the remaining condos on offer (starting price $1.8 million).

— edward barsamian, Vogue, "Ryan Korban Is Celebrated in Sleek Style by Brandon Maxwell and Jourdan Dunn," 11 May 2018
The Admirals, under first-year coach Joe Christie, made an impressive late push with three wins in their last four games to snag the final playoff spot.

— glenn graham, baltimoresun.com, "Breaking down the MIAA A Conference lacrosse playoffs," 10 May 2018

First Known Use of snag

1807

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

snag Synonyms

Phrases

take hold (of);

SNAG Defined for English Language Learners

snag

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

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

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.

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snaggy

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Origin and Etymology of snag

snag Synonyms

Synonyms

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snag

Definition of snag

Examples of snag in a Sentence

Recent Examples of snag from the Web

First Known Use of snag

snag Synonyms

Synonyms

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SNAG Defined for English Language Learners

snag

Definition of snag for English Language Learners

snag

Definition of snag for English Language Learners

SNAG Defined for Kids

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