noun
Uncommon
snare
sneh-uh
Snare (noun) means a trap, often a wire loop, used to catch animals. Example: “The poacher set snares along the trail.”
noun
1
A trap, often a wire loop, used to catch animals.
"The poacher set snares along the trail."
2
A trick or trap that catches someone in a difficult situation.
"The contract was a snare designed to trap unwary investors."
3
Short for snare drum, a drum with wires stretched across its bottom head to give it a sharp rattle.
"The drummer tightened the snare before the show."
verb
1
To catch or trap, especially with a loop or trick.
"The hunter snared a rabbit near the hedge."
"She was snared by a fraudulent investment scheme."
How to use snare
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA trap, literal or figurative, or the drum used in a kit.
Common pairings
set a snare
caught in a snare
snare drum
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Word forms
- Plural
- snares
- Third person singular
- snares
- Past tense
- snared
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The poacher set _____ along the trail.
Etymology
From Old English sneare ("noose, snare"), from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "loop" or "sling."
Related words
Rhymes for snare
See all rhymes for snare →Frequently asked questions
What does “snare” mean?
The word “snare” means a trap, often a wire loop, used to catch animals. In plain terms, a trap, literal or figurative, or the drum used in a kit.
How do you pronounce “snare”?
“Snare” is pronounced sneh-uh (/snɛ(ə)ɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “snare” in a sentence?
Here is “snare” used in a sentence: “The poacher set snares along the trail.”
What part of speech is “snare”?
Depending on how it is used, “snare” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “snare” come from?
The word “snare” comes from Old English. From Old English sneare ("noose, snare"), from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "loop" or "sling.".
Is “snare” a common word?
“Snare” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “snare” have?
“Snare” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a trap, often a wire loop, used to catch animals.
