# snap /ˈsnæp/ (US) · /snˈæp/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/snap Updated: 2026-06-19 ## Senses ### 1. to break suddenly verb · CEFR B1 to break something quickly with a sharp cracking sound. For teachers: to fracture or break apart suddenly, typically under tension or pressure, accompanied by a sharp report. - The dry branch snapped when I stepped on it in the woods. - The mast snapped under the sheer force of the gale, leaving the vessel at the mercy of the rising tide. ### 2. to lose patience verb · CEFR B2 to suddenly lose your temper or control because of stress. For teachers: to suffer a sudden psychological breakdown or loss of self-control under emotional or mental strain. - After weeks of working late, he finally snapped and shouted at his boss. - The witness appeared composed initially, but she eventually snapped under the relentless pressure of the cross-examination. ### 4. to take a photo verb · CEFR B1 · Informal to take a quick photograph. For teachers: to photograph something quickly or informally. - He snapped a few pictures of the sunset before we left the beach. - The tourist snapped several candid shots of the street performers before moving on to the cathedral. ### 5. a sharp sound noun · CEFR B2 a sudden, short, cracking sound. For teachers: a sudden sharp noise, such as that produced by something breaking or by the fingers striking the palm. - The silence was broken by the snap of a twig behind us. - The distinct snap of the briefcase closing echoed through the empty boardroom. ### 6. a cold period noun · CEFR B2 a short period of very cold weather. For teachers: a brief, sudden interval of specific weather conditions, almost exclusively used in the collocation 'cold snap'. - A sudden cold snap in April killed many of the young flowers. - Meteorologists warned that the unexpected cold snap could cause significant damage to the region's citrus crops. ### 7. a fastener noun · CEFR B2 · American English a small metal button used to close clothes that makes a clicking sound. For teachers: a fastening device consisting of two interlocking discs that close with a clicking sound. - The baby's jacket has snaps instead of buttons to make it easier to put on. - The designer opted for hidden snaps rather than a zipper to maintain the garment's minimalist aesthetic. ### 8. easy task noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · Slang something that is very easy to do. For teachers: a task or activity that requires little effort to complete successfully. - The exam was a snap because I had studied all weekend. - After years of professional experience, navigating the complex software was a snap for the lead developer. ### 9. done quickly adjective · CEFR B2 done or decided very quickly without much thought. For teachers: made or done suddenly and without prior deliberation or preparation. - You shouldn't make a snap decision about which car to buy. - The prime minister called a snap election in an attempt to capitalise on his party's recent surge in popularity. ### 11. physics movement noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Humorous a technical word for a specific type of fast movement in physics. For teachers: the fourth derivative of the position vector with respect to time; the rate of change of jerk. - In our advanced mechanics class, we learned how to calculate snap. - The engineer noted that while the jerk was within limits, the snap of the robotic arm's movement was causing structural fatigue. Usage: Often used in the sequence 'snap, crackle, and pop'. ### 12. computing package noun · CEFR C1 · Technical a type of software package used on some computer systems. For teachers: a software deployment and package management system that uses containerised applications. - You can install the latest version of the editor as a snap. - The administrator preferred using snaps for server applications to ensure that dependencies remained isolated from the core operating system core. ## Examples - The new software is a snap to use. - Once you learn the basic rules of the game, winning your first match is a snap. - For the veteran programmer, debugging the legacy code was a snap, a simple matter of recalling its original architecture. --- 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.