verb Uncommon

snatch

snach

Snatch (verb) means to grab something suddenly and quickly. Example: “He snatched the last cookie before anyone else could.”

verb

To grab something suddenly and quickly.

"He snatched the last cookie before anyone else could."

"The thief snatched her handbag and ran."

To seize or win something, often at the last possible moment.

"They snatched victory in the final seconds of the match."

noun

A weightlifting move in which the bar is lifted from the floor to overhead in one continuous motion.

"She set a new personal record in the snatch at the competition."

A short, brief bit of something, such as conversation or music.

"He caught a snatch of their conversation as he passed."

How to use snatch

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo grab quickly or seize suddenly — a small fragment of something can also be called a snatch.

Common pairings

snatch a moment snatch victory a snatch of conversation

Word forms

snatched past tense, snatches plural, snatches singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He _____ the last cookie before anyone else could.

Etymology

From Middle English snacchen ("to snap, seize"), related to snack.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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bit catch grab snap kidnapping kidnap slit puss abduct nobble snatch up

Related words

take while part girl bit view cut hear

Rhymes for snatch

tch etch itch Dutch catch batch pitch bitch watch witch hutch hatch

See all rhymes for snatch →

Frequently asked questions

What does “snatch” mean?

The word “snatch” means to grab something suddenly and quickly. In plain terms, to grab quickly or seize suddenly — a small fragment of something can also be called a snatch.

How do you pronounce “snatch”?

“Snatch” is pronounced snach (/snæt͡ʃ/ in IPA).

How do you use “snatch” in a sentence?

Here is “snatch” used in a sentence: “He snatched the last cookie before anyone else could.”

What part of speech is “snatch”?

Depending on how it is used, “snatch” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “snatch” come from?

The word “snatch” comes from Middle English. From Middle English snacchen ("to snap, seize"), related to snack.

Is “snatch” a common word?

“Snatch” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “snatch” have?

“Snatch” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to grab something suddenly and quickly.

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