ENGLISH
REFERENCE

snack

n. countable
A1 Beginner US //ˈsnæk// UK //snˈæk// snack Archaic Slang

n. a small amount of food that you eat between main meals. You might have a snack like an apple or some nuts when you feel a little hungry.

n. a small portion of food consumed between regular meals. Often used to refer to light, quick-to-prepare items rather than a full course.


SIMPLE

I always pack a healthy snack for my afternoon break.

CONTEXTUAL

The children were getting restless, so their teacher gave them a quick snack of crackers and juice.

COMPLEX

While nutritionists often debate the merits of frequent grazing, most agree that a high-protein snack can prevent the blood sugar crashes that lead to overeating during dinner.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle Dutch snacken (“to snack”). Cognate with German schnäken (“to snack”).

Etymology 2

See snatch (transitive verb). Ultimately of the same origin as the word under Etymology 1, but perhaps through a different source.

Usage

Commonly used with the verbs 'have', 'grab', or 'eat'.

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