snap
snap Lexical Profile
snap Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To break suddenly and completely, typically with a sharp cracking sound.
"The guitar string snapped while he was tuning it before the concert."
To make a sudden, sharp clicking sound, or to move or close briskly with such a sound.
"She snapped her fingers to get the waiter's attention across the room."
To speak abruptly, irritably, or sharply to someone, or to suddenly lose one's emotional composure.
"Exhausted from the long shift, he apologized after he snapped at his colleague over a minor question."
To make a sudden, quick biting or snatching movement (especially of an animal).
"The turtle snapped at the stick when the biologist moved it too close to the shell."
To take a quick photograph of someone or something.
"Tourists gathered outside the palace to snap pictures of the changing of the guard."
• noun
A sudden, sharp cracking sound or a sudden break of something under tension.
"The dry branch gave way with a loud snap under the hiker's boot."
An informal photograph taken quickly with a camera or smartphone.
"She shared a few candid snaps from her weekend trip to the mountains."
A small two-part clasp or fastener on clothing or bags that closes with a clicking sound when pressed together.
"The toddler's winter jacket has metal snaps down the front that are easier to fasten than buttons."
A brief, sudden period of cold weather, or an informal term for an easy task.
"The unexpected cold snap in April damaged several early blossoms in the orchard."
A thin, crisp, brittle cookie or biscuit, frequently flavored with ginger.
"My grandmother always kept a ceramic jar filled with homemade ginger snaps on the kitchen counter."
• adjective
Done, made, or occurring suddenly and without advance warning or deliberation.
"The prime minister called a snap election to secure a stronger mandate in parliament."
• interjection
Used to express surprise, mild dismay, realization, or immediate recognition that two things are identical.
"Oh snap, I completely forgot to attach the spreadsheet before sending the email!"
• Rhymes for snap
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 15th century from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German 'snappen' (to seize hastily or bite), ultimately of imitative origin mimicking a sudden, sharp sound.