noun
Uncommon
snag
snag
Snag (noun) means an unexpected problem or obstacle. Example: “We hit a snag with the visa application.”
noun
1
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."
2
A small tear or pulled thread in fabric caused by catching on something sharp.
"There's a snag in these tights already."
verb
1
To catch or tear on something sharp or rough.
"Her jumper snagged on the fence."
2
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- snags
- Third person singular
- snags
- Past tense
- snagged
Fill the gap
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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.
Related words
Rhymes for snag
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.
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