snapped; snapping
Definition of snap
(Entry 1 of 4)
1a : to make a sudden closing of the jaws : seize something sharply with the mouth
fish snapping at the bait
b : to grasp at something eagerly : make a pounce or snatch
snap at any chance
2 : to utter sharp biting words : bark out irritable or peevish retorts
3a : to break suddenly with a sharp sound
the twig snapped
b : to give way suddenly under emotional stress or strain
He snapped under the pressure of the job.
4a : to make a sharp or crackling sound
b : to use your thumb and fingers to make a short sharp sound
People snapped to the beat.
5 : to close or fit in place with an abrupt movement or sharp sound
the lock snapped shut
6a : to move briskly or sharply
snaps to attention
b : to undergo a sudden and rapid change (as from one condition to another)
snap out of it snapped awake
1 : to seize with or as if with a snap of the jaws
2 : to take possession or advantage of suddenly or eagerly
—usually used with upshoppers snapping up bargains
3a : to retort to or interrupt curtly and irritably
b : to utter curtly or abruptly
4 : to break suddenly : break short or in two
5a : to cause to make a snapping sound
snap a whip
b : to make a snapping sound by moving (thumb and finger) against one another
c : to put into or remove from a particular position by a sudden movement or with a sharp sound
snap the lock shut
6a : to project with a snap
snapped a spitball across the classroom
b : to put (a football) in play with a snap
c(1) : to take photographically
snapping exclusive news pictures — Current Biography
(2) : to take a snapshot of
snapped the scenery
snap
nounDefinition of snap (Entry 2 of 4)
1 : an abrupt closing (as of the mouth in biting or of scissors in cutting)
2a archaic : a share of profits or booty
b : something that brings quick and easy profit or advantage
c : something that is easy and presents no problems : cinch
3 : a small amount : bit
4a : an act or instance of seizing abruptly : a sudden snatching at something
b : a quick short movement
lithe snaps of its body— Barbara Taylor
c : a sudden sharp breaking
5a : a sound made by snapping something
shut the book with a snap
b : a brief sharp and usually irritable speech or retort
6 : a sudden spell of weather
a cold snap
7 : a catch or fastening that closes or locks with a click
the snap of a bracelet
8 : a flat brittle cookie — compare gingersnap
9 : snapshot
b : a pleasing vigorous quality
11 football : the act of a center's putting the ball in play from its position on the ground by quickly passing it between the legs back to a teammate (such as a quarterback) : the act of snapping the ball
The quarterback fumbled the snap. [=fumbled the ball when it was snapped to him]
snap
adverbDefinition of snap (Entry 3 of 4)
: with a snap
snap
adjectiveDefinition of snap (Entry 4 of 4)
1 : done, made, or carried through suddenly or without deliberation
a snap judgment
2 : called or taken without prior warning
a snap election
3 : fastening with a snap
a snap lock
4 : unusually easy or simple
a snap course
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Share snap
Time Traveler for snap
The first known use of snap was in 1530
See more words from the same year