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verb Uncommon

snitch

snihch

Snitch (verb) means to inform on someone, often betraying a friend or group. Example: “He snitched on his classmates to avoid getting in trouble himself.”

verb
1
To inform on someone, often betraying a friend or group.
"He snitched on his classmates to avoid getting in trouble himself."
2
To steal something quickly and quietly.
"Someone snitched a slice of cake from the fridge."
noun
1
A person who informs on others, especially to authority.
"Nobody trusted him after he turned out to be a snitch."

How to use snitch

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who tells on others, or the act of telling on someone (usually seen as a betrayal).

When to use it

Informal; carries a strong negative, playground-style connotation.

Common pairings
snitch on someone a rat and a snitch don't be a snitch

Word forms

snitched past tense, snitches plural, snitches singular

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He _____ on his classmates to avoid getting in trouble himself.

Etymology

Origin uncertain — possibly linked to a Middle English word for a trap or sudden seizure, or a dialect variant of "sneak."

Origin: Middle English

nick pilfer pocket grass up rat out pincher mole quisling rat stool pigeon sneck

Related words

Rhymes for snitch

See all rhymes for snitch →

Frequently asked questions

What does “snitch” mean?

The word “snitch” means to inform on someone, often betraying a friend or group. In plain terms, someone who tells on others, or the act of telling on someone (usually seen as a betrayal).

How do you pronounce “snitch”?

“Snitch” is pronounced snihch (/snɪt͡ʃ/ in IPA).

How do you use “snitch” in a sentence?

Here is “snitch” used in a sentence: “He snitched on his classmates to avoid getting in trouble himself.”

What is another word for “snitch”?

Words with a similar meaning to “snitch” include nick, pilfer, pocket, grass up, rat out and pincher.

What part of speech is “snitch”?

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

Where does the word “snitch” come from?

The word “snitch” comes from Middle English. Origin uncertain — possibly linked to a Middle English word for a trap or sudden seizure, or a dialect variant of "sneak.".

Is “snitch” a common word?

“Snitch” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “snitch” have?

“Snitch” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to inform on someone, often betraying a friend or group.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial