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

A trap, often a wire loop, used to catch animals.

"The poacher set snares along the trail."

A trick or trap that catches someone in a difficult situation.

"The contract was a snare designed to trap unwary investors."

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

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 notes

In plain EnglishA trap, literal or figurative, or the drum used in a kit.

Common pairings

set a snare caught in a snare snare drum

Word forms

snared past tense, snares plural, Snares plural, SNAREs plural, snares singular

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The poacher set _____ along the trail.

Etymology

From Old English sneare ("noose, snare"), from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "loop" or "sling."

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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hook trap gin noose entrap ensnare trammel side drum snare drum

Related words

take completely join mouth catch net limit hole

Rhymes for snare

are dare care hare mare fare bare rare ware gare share stare

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.

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