# nab

/ˈnæb/ (US) · /nˈæb/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nab
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to catch someone doing something wrong or to grab something quickly. You might use this when the police catch a thief or when you take the last cookie.

For teachers: To catch or arrest someone, particularly in the act of committing a crime; alternatively, to seize or snatch something suddenly.

## Examples

- The police managed to nab the thief near the park.
- I managed to nab the last seat on the train just before the doors closed.
- While the investigators hoped to nab the ringleader during the hand-off, they ultimately had to settle for a low-level courier who carried very little incriminating evidence.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.