1 A2 neutral
To make a sudden biting movement toward someone or something.
"The dog snapped at the child's fingers when he reached toward its bowl."
inseparable
snap at
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To try to bite someone or something with a quick movement; or to speak to someone irritably and sharply.
In plain English
To try to bite quickly, or to speak to someone in a rude and angry way.
What does "snap at" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
To speak to someone in a sudden, irritable, and sharp tone.
"I'm sorry I snapped at you earlier — I was just exhausted from the journey."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
To try to take an opportunity quickly (often 'snap at the chance/bait').
"She snapped at the opportunity to present her research at the international conference."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To snap (make a biting motion) at someone or something.
Actually means
To try to bite quickly, or to speak to someone in a rude and angry way.
Usage tip
Both senses are very common. The figurative sense (speaking irritably) is used just as frequently as the literal one. Often used to describe the behaviour of stressed, tired, or angry people who lose patience with those around them.
Words that pair with "snap at"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
heels fingers owner colleague children partner
How to conjugate "snap at"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
snap at
I/you/we/they
3rd person
snaps at
he/she/it
Past simple
snaped at
yesterday
Past participle
snaped at
have + pp
-ing form
snaping at
continuous
Hear "snap at" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "snap at" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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