snap
Snap (verb) means to break suddenly with a sharp cracking sound. Example: “The branch snapped under his weight.”
How to use snap
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sudden break or sharp sound, a quick photo, or speaking abruptly and crossly.
Word forms
Snapped past tense, Snaps singular
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He took a _____ of the sunset on his phone.
Etymology
From Dutch or Low German snappen ("to bite, seize"), likely echoing the sharp sound of something breaking.
Related words
Rhymes for snap
See all rhymes for snap →Frequently asked questions
What does “snap” mean?
The word “snap” means to break suddenly with a sharp cracking sound. In plain terms, a sudden break or sharp sound, a quick photo, or speaking abruptly and crossly.
How do you pronounce “snap”?
“Snap” is pronounced snap (/snæp/ in IPA).
How do you use “snap” in a sentence?
Here is “snap” used in a sentence: “The branch snapped under his weight.”
What part of speech is “snap”?
Depending on how it is used, “snap” can be a verb, a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “snap” come from?
The word “snap” comes from German. From Dutch or Low German snappen ("to bite, seize"), likely echoing the sharp sound of something breaking.
Is “snap” a common word?
“Snap” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “snap” have?
“Snap” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to break suddenly with a sharp cracking sound.
What is the difference between 'snap' and 'break'?
To 'snap' is to break suddenly with a sharp cracking sound, so it implies a quick, clean break in something stiff like a twig or bone. 'Break' is the general term and covers all kinds of breaking, whether sudden or slow, loud or silent. Every snap is a break, but not every break is a snap.
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