First Known Use: 1530
Dictionary
1snap
verb \ˈsnap\
: to break quickly with a short, sharp sound
: to move into a specified position with a short, sharp sound
: to close (something) with a fastener and especially with a snap
snappedsnap·ping
Full Definition of SNAP
intransitive verb
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 strain
4
: to make a sharp or crackling sound
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>
transitive verb
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 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 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
See snap defined for English-language learners
See snap defined for kids
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Origin of SNAP
Dutch or Low German snappen; akin to Middle High German snappen to snap
2snap
noun
: a sudden, short, sharp sound caused by something breaking or moving into a new position
: the act of snapping your fingers or the sound made when you snap your fingers
: a device that fastens something by closing or locking with a short, sharp sound; especially : a set of two metal or plastic pieces that fit tightly together when you press them
Full Definition of SNAP
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> 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
: the act of a center's putting the football in play from its position on the ground by quickly passing it between his legs to a teammate (as a quarterback) standing behind him
See snap defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SNAP
1555
3snap
adverb
Definition of SNAP
: with a snap
First Known Use of SNAP
1583
4snap
adjective
: done or made suddenly or without careful thought
Full Definition of 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>
See snap defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SNAP
1739
SNAP Defined for Kids
1snap
verb \ˈsnap\
snappedsnap·ping
Definition of SNAP for Kids
1
: to break or break apart suddenly and often with a cracking noise <The branch snapped.>
2
: to grasp or grasp at something suddenly with the mouth or teeth
3
: to speak or utter sharply or irritably <“You keep quiet!” snapped Beezus. — Beverly Cleary, Henry Huggins>
4
: to make or cause to make a sharp or crackling sound <snap a whip>
5
: to close or fit in place with a quick movement <The lid snapped shut.>
6
: to put into or remove from a position suddenly or with a cracking sound <She snapped on the light.>
7
: to act or be acted on with energy <The soldier snapped to attention.>
8
: to grasp at something eagerly <I snapped at the chance.>
9
: to get, take, or buy at once <Customers were hoping to snap up a bargain.>
10
: to close by means of snaps or fasteners
11
: to take a snapshot of
12
: to make a short sharp sound by quickly moving the middle finger against the thumb
2snap
noun
Definition of SNAP for Kids
1
: a sudden short sharp sound
2
: an act of moving the middle finger against the thumb to make a short sharp sound
3
: something that is easy and presents no problems <That job is a snap.>
4
: a sudden change in weather <a cold snap>
5
: a catch or fastening that closes or locks with a click <the snap on a purse>
6
: snapshot
7
: a short amount of time <… over the hedge he jumped in a snap … — Anna Sewell, Black Beauty>
3snap
adjective
Definition of SNAP for Kids
1
: made suddenly or without careful thought <a snap decision>
2
: closing with a click or by means of a device that snaps <a snap lock>
3
: very easy
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