verb
nab
nab
Nab (verb) means to catch or arrest someone, especially a criminal. Example: “Police nabbed the shoplifter before he reached the exit.”
verb
1
To catch or arrest someone, especially a criminal.
"Police nabbed the shoplifter before he reached the exit."
"She was nabbed for speeding just outside town."
2
To grab or snatch something quickly, often before someone else can.
"I managed to nab the last two tickets online."
How to use nab
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo quickly grab hold of something or someone — a person, an item, or an opportunity.
When to use it
Informal; common in everyday speech and news headlines rather than formal writing.
Common pairings
nab a bargain
nab a suspect
nab the last seat
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Word forms
- Plural
- nabs
- Third person singular
- nabs
- Past tense
- nabbed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I managed to _____ the last two tickets online.
Etymology
From dialectal English nap, "to seize or grab," likely from an old Scandinavian word meaning to pluck or pinch.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “nab” mean?
The word “nab” means to catch or arrest someone, especially a criminal. In plain terms, to quickly grab hold of something or someone — a person, an item, or an opportunity.
How do you pronounce “nab”?
“Nab” is pronounced nab (/næb/ in IPA).
How do you use “nab” in a sentence?
Here is “nab” used in a sentence: “Police nabbed the shoplifter before he reached the exit.”
What part of speech is “nab”?
“Nab” is a verb.
How many meanings does “nab” have?
“Nab” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to catch or arrest someone, especially a criminal.
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