1 B1 informal
To look through someone's private belongings or space without their knowledge or permission.
"She caught him snooping around her room, going through her diary."
inseparable
snoop around
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To look through someone's private things or a private place in a secretive and intrusive way.
In plain English
To quietly look through someone else's things or private space, trying to find out information they don't want you to know.
What does "snoop around" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To investigate a person or organisation covertly, looking for damaging or sensitive information.
"Government auditors had been snooping around the charity's accounts for weeks."
inseparable
3 B1 informal
To wander through a place out of nosy curiosity, looking at things that are not one's business.
"I noticed a strange man snooping around outside the warehouse yesterday."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To snoop (pry into others' affairs) while moving around a space — largely transparent.
Actually means
To quietly look through someone else's things or private space, trying to find out information they don't want you to know.
Usage tip
Always implies a breach of privacy and is generally disapproving. Used about people going through phone messages, letters, drawers, or private files. Also used about journalists and investigators.
Words that pair with "snoop around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
files messages private emails house desk
How to conjugate "snoop around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
snoop around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
snoops around
he/she/it
Past simple
snooped around
yesterday
Past participle
snooped around
have + pp
-ing form
snooping around
continuous
Hear "snoop around" in the wild
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Other ways to say "snoop around"
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Keep exploring
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