noun Uncommon

snag

Snag (noun) means an unexpected problem or obstacle. Example: “We hit a snag with the visa application.”

noun

An unexpected problem or obstacle.

"We hit a snag with the visa application."

"Everything went well until we ran into a snag with the plumbing."

A small tear or pulled thread in fabric caused by catching on something sharp.

"There's a snag in these tights already."

verb

To catch or tear on something sharp or rough.

"Her jumper snagged on the fence."

Informally, to manage to get or obtain something, often quickly or opportunistically.

"He snagged the last ticket to the sold-out show."

How to Use Snag

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small but annoying problem, or a small tear from something catching — also used casually to mean "grab" or "get."

Common pairings

hit a snag snag a bargain snag your tights

Word Forms

snagged past tense, snags plural, snags plural, snags plural, snags singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “snag” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

We hit a _____ with the visa application.

Etymology

From an earlier sense meaning a stump or sharp projecting branch, borrowed from Old Norse snagi ("clothes peg"), later extended to any sharp obstacle.

Origin: Old Norse

Synonyms

View more →

split rent tear rip rub hitch hang-up

Related Words

part leave break blood charge tour join carry

Rhymes for snag

nag

See all rhymes for snag →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “snag” mean?

The word “snag” means an unexpected problem or obstacle. In plain terms, a small but annoying problem, or a small tear from something catching — also used casually to mean "grab" or "get.".

How do you pronounce “snag”?

“Snag” is pronounced snag (/snæɡ/ in IPA).

How do you use “snag” in a sentence?

Here is “snag” used in a sentence: “We hit a snag with the visa application.”

What part of speech is “snag”?

Depending on how it is used, “snag” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “snag” come from?

The word “snag” comes from Old Norse. From an earlier sense meaning a stump or sharp projecting branch, borrowed from Old Norse snagi ("clothes peg"), later extended to any sharp obstacle.

Is “snag” a common word?

“Snag” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “snag” have?

“Snag” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an unexpected problem or obstacle.

Featured In

Vocabulary lists that include snag:

Words With Old Norse Origins

People Also Searched

part leave break blood charge tour join carry