snail
7 synonyms for snail, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small, slow-moving mollusc with a spiral shell that it carries on its back.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use snail
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
snail's pace
move at a snail's pace
Etymology
From Old English snægl, from a Proto-Germanic root related to "sneak" and "creep."
Full origin of snail →Frequently asked questions
What does “snail” mean?
The word “snail” means a small, slow-moving mollusc with a spiral shell that it carries on its back. In plain terms, the shelled garden creature, or, informally, anyone or anything moving painfully slowly.
How do you pronounce “snail”?
“Snail” is pronounced snayl (/sneɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “snail” in a sentence?
Here is “snail” used in a sentence: “After the rain, snails were crawling all over the garden path.”
What part of speech is “snail”?
Depending on how it is used, “snail” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “snail” come from?
The word “snail” comes from Old English. From Old English snægl, from a Proto-Germanic root related to "sneak" and "creep.".
Is “snail” a common word?
“Snail” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “snail” have?
“Snail” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small, slow-moving mollusc with a spiral shell that it carries on its back.
What is the difference between a snail and a slug?
A snail is a mollusc that carries a spiral shell on its back, while a slug is a similar mollusc without a visible shell.
Why is snail used to describe a slow person?
Because snails are known for moving at a very slow pace, the word is used informally to describe a person who moves or acts slowly.
Is snail used as a verb?
Yes, snail can be used as a verb meaning to move at a very slow pace, as in "the traffic snailed along the highway."
