snapped; snapping
1
a
: 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
3
a
: 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.
4
a
: 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
6
a
: 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 up
shoppers snapping up bargains
3
a
: to retort to or interrupt curtly and irritably
b
: to utter curtly or abruptly
4
: to break suddenly : break short or in two
5
a
: 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
6
a
: 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
Current Biography
(2)
: to take a snapshot of
snapped the scenery
1
: an abrupt closing (as of the mouth in biting or of scissors in cutting)
2
a
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
4
a
: an act or instance of seizing abruptly : a sudden snatching at something
b
: a quick short movement
lithe snaps of its body—Barbara Taylor
Barbara Taylor
c
: a sudden sharp breaking
5
a
: 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
10
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]
: with a snap
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
Synonyms
Examples of snap in a Sentence
Verb
The branch snapped and fell to the ground.
The earpiece of his glasses snapped off.
She snapped the twig in two.
The boy snapped the wing off his toy airplane.
The bent tree snapped back into an upright position.
I snapped the lid shut.
She snapped the pieces together.
She snapped her handbag shut.
Noun
I've trained the dog to come to me with a snap of my fingers.
The snap of the bracelet broke.
Adjective
a snap course that even an idiot could pass
Recent Examples on the WebChristopher Cann, USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024
The most traditional kitchen technique for trimming asparagus is to hold the stalk in the middle and near the bottom end and snap it.
—Katie Workman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2024
Brandon Drury then reached on a fielder’s choice that scored Anthony Rendon from third and snapped a 4-4 tie.
—Austin Knoblauch, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2024
Carrots, peppers and other vegetables fresh enough to be on the edge of snapping.
—Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2024
But the Warriors probably didn’t suddenly just snap into championship-level defense.
—Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2024
Some #Panthers food for thought: Barton doing OL drills snapping the ball.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 29 Mar. 2024
The iconic span named for the author of the American national anthem snapped under the night sky and hurtled into the cold and murky waters of the Patapsco River, killing six overnight immigrant laborers fixing potholes on the bridge.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN, 29 Mar. 2024
The pier was like an A shape, so the bow snapped one side of the A.
—CBS News, 28 Mar. 2024
Harriet Johnston, Glamour, 5 Apr. 2024
After Sunday's win put his team in the Final Four, Burns and two of his teammates walked into the post-game press conference, each bearing a smile and a Final Four hat adorned with the traditional souvenir — a little piece of basketball net, tied around the snap.
—Becky Sullivan, NPR, 5 Apr. 2024
Moreover, a request for an image of a Black woman and her Asian friend resulted in snaps of two Black women.
—Catherine Thorbecke, CNN, 4 Apr. 2024
In the snaps, the 31-year-old Whipshots founder flashes a peace sign as Ice leans in close, making a kissy face.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 4 Apr. 2024
The pace also dragged, with the offense often going 45 seconds or more between snaps.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2024
Continuing a trend started by star running back Ashton Jeanty, freshman Sire Gaines looks physically ready to see some snaps early this season.
—Ron Counts, Idaho Statesman, 3 Apr. 2024
Even when healthy, Hill and Waddle aren’t going to play every snap.
—Daniel Oyefusi, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2024
Meanwhile, Luna also took a snap with her mother on the flight and gave two thumbs up to the camera, while Teigen flashed the peace sign.
—Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 2 Apr. 2024
Rich Campbell, chicagotribune.com, 7 Sep. 2019
Investors look at Snap’s new user numbers as an important metric to gauge the company’s future growth.
—Jonathan Vanian, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2017
During the recession and in the years that followed, SNAP expanded to accommodate the increased number of people who needed food assistance.
—Greg Trotter, chicagotribune.com, 4 May 2017
Snap’s new technology, a 3-D lens, can also change and shift in response to physical objects.
—Katie Benner, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2017
Megan Schaltegger, Southern Living, 20 Mar. 2024
The Long-Sleeve Supima Square-Neck Bodysuit is another excellent choice for a bodysuit with snap gusset closures.
—Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024
Popovich told the council that more humane alternatives are snap traps, live traps or electric traps.
—Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2024
Unlike typical passport wallets featuring snap closures, this one boasts a wraparound zipper instead — ensuring the secure storage of passports, credit cards, cash, and more during your journeys.
—Austa Somvichian-Clausen, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2024
Show more That has set off speculation that Netanyahu is under pressure from both his left- and right-wing flanks, spelling a potentially wider shakeup — and perhaps even a snap election.
—Abigail Williams, NBC News, 30 Jan. 2024
The coat features a detachable hood, long sleeves with elasticized cuffs, and a zipper closure with snap buttons.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 14 Mar. 2024
In rivers, forcing chilly bass into a snap decision can be the ticket, making spinnerbaits and swimbaits prime choices.
—Joe Cermele, Field & Stream, 14 Mar. 2024
For Gurira, Michonne’s snap decision was about snapping Rick out of his funk.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Mar. 2024
Verb
In areas as far south as Florida strong winds toppled utility poles and snapped trees.
—Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024
The most traditional kitchen technique for trimming asparagus is to hold the stalk in the middle and near the bottom end and snap it.
—Katie Workman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2024
Brandon Drury then reached on a fielder’s choice that scored Anthony Rendon from third and snapped a 4-4 tie.
—Austin Knoblauch, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2024
Carrots, peppers and other vegetables fresh enough to be on the edge of snapping.
—Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2024
But the Warriors probably didn’t suddenly just snap into championship-level defense.
—Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2024
Some #Panthers food for thought: Barton doing OL drills snapping the ball.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 29 Mar. 2024
The iconic span named for the author of the American national anthem snapped under the night sky and hurtled into the cold and murky waters of the Patapsco River, killing six overnight immigrant laborers fixing potholes on the bridge.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN, 29 Mar. 2024
The pier was like an A shape, so the bow snapped one side of the A.
—CBS News, 28 Mar. 2024
Noun
The snap would have been taken when Diana was seven-years-old, while Charles would have been just four.
—Harriet Johnston, Glamour, 5 Apr. 2024
After Sunday's win put his team in the Final Four, Burns and two of his teammates walked into the post-game press conference, each bearing a smile and a Final Four hat adorned with the traditional souvenir — a little piece of basketball net, tied around the snap.
—Becky Sullivan, NPR, 5 Apr. 2024
Moreover, a request for an image of a Black woman and her Asian friend resulted in snaps of two Black women.
—Catherine Thorbecke, CNN, 4 Apr. 2024
In the snaps, the 31-year-old Whipshots founder flashes a peace sign as Ice leans in close, making a kissy face.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 4 Apr. 2024
The pace also dragged, with the offense often going 45 seconds or more between snaps.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2024
Continuing a trend started by star running back Ashton Jeanty, freshman Sire Gaines looks physically ready to see some snaps early this season.
—Ron Counts, Idaho Statesman, 3 Apr. 2024
Even when healthy, Hill and Waddle aren’t going to play every snap.
—Daniel Oyefusi, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2024
Meanwhile, Luna also took a snap with her mother on the flight and gave two thumbs up to the camera, while Teigen flashed the peace sign.
—Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 2 Apr. 2024
Adverb
Roy Robertson-Harris steamrolled center Corey Linsley on his first-quarter sack (4.9 seconds snap-to-throw).
—Rich Campbell, chicagotribune.com, 7 Sep. 2019
Investors look at Snap’s new user numbers as an important metric to gauge the company’s future growth.
—Jonathan Vanian, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2017
During the recession and in the years that followed, SNAP expanded to accommodate the increased number of people who needed food assistance.
—Greg Trotter, chicagotribune.com, 4 May 2017
Snap’s new technology, a 3-D lens, can also change and shift in response to physical objects.
—Katie Benner, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2017
Adjective
The water-resistant shell is durable for all elements, and its snap placket over the zippered closure just adds extra protection and warmth.
—Megan Schaltegger, Southern Living, 20 Mar. 2024
The Long-Sleeve Supima Square-Neck Bodysuit is another excellent choice for a bodysuit with snap gusset closures.
—Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024
Popovich told the council that more humane alternatives are snap traps, live traps or electric traps.
—Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2024
Unlike typical passport wallets featuring snap closures, this one boasts a wraparound zipper instead — ensuring the secure storage of passports, credit cards, cash, and more during your journeys.
—Austa Somvichian-Clausen, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2024
Show more That has set off speculation that Netanyahu is under pressure from both his left- and right-wing flanks, spelling a potentially wider shakeup — and perhaps even a snap election.
—Abigail Williams, NBC News, 30 Jan. 2024
The coat features a detachable hood, long sleeves with elasticized cuffs, and a zipper closure with snap buttons.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 14 Mar. 2024
In rivers, forcing chilly bass into a snap decision can be the ticket, making spinnerbaits and swimbaits prime choices.
—Joe Cermele, Field & Stream, 14 Mar. 2024
For Gurira, Michonne’s snap decision was about snapping Rick out of his funk.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'snap.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Verb
Dutch or Low German snappen; akin to Middle High German snappen to snap
First Known Use
Verb
1530, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a
Noun
1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Adverb
1583, in the meaning defined above
Adjective
1739, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing snap
Dictionary Entries Near snap
Cite this Entry
“Snap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snap. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
snap
1 of 3 verb
snapped; snapping
1
a
: 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
snapped at the chance to travel
c
: to take possession of at once
—usually used with up
snap up a bargain
2
: to speak sharply or irritably
snap at a questioner
3
a
: to break or break apart suddenly especially with a sharp sound
the twig snapped
snapped the bone in two
b
: to give way or cause to give way suddenly under stress
the rope snapped
c
: to bring to a sudden end
snapped the opposing team's winning streak
4
: to make or cause to make a sharp or crackling sound
snap a whip
5
a
: to close or fit in place with a quick movement
the lid snapped shut
b
: to put into or remove from a position by a sudden movement or with a snapping sound
snap off a switch
c
: to close by snaps or fasteners
snapped up the snowsuit
6
a
: to move briskly or sharply
snapped to attention
b
: to undergo a sudden and rapid change (as from one condition to another)
snapped out of his bad mood
c
: to put (a football) in play especially by passing or handing backward between the legs
d
: to take a snapshot of
snap
2 of 3 noun1
: a quick closing (as of the mouth in biting or of scissors in cutting)
especially
: a biting or snatching with the teeth or jaws
2
: something that is easy and presents no problems : cinch
3
: a small amount : bit
don't care a snap
4
a
: a sudden snatching at something
b
: a quick short movement
c
: a sudden sharp breaking
5
: a sound made by snapping something
shut the book with a snap
6
: a sudden spell of harsh weather
a cold snap
7
: a catch or fastening that closes or locks with a click
snap of a bracelet
8
: a thin brittle cookie
9
: snapshot
10
: smartness of movement or speech : energy
11
: an act or instance of snapping a football
snap
3 of 3 adjective1
: made suddenly or without careful thought
a snap judgment
2
: shutting or fastening with a click or by means of a device that snaps
a snap lock
3
: unusually easy
a snap course
More from Merriam-Webster on snap
Nglish: Translation of snap for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of snap for Arabic Speakers
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