Snack Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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snack

[snæk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

quick bite

A snack is a small portion of food eaten between meals. It is usually something light and easy to consume, such as chips, fruit, or nuts.

Synonyms

bite, morsel, treat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
snack	Use this word for a small amount of food eaten between meals. I'm going to grab a snack before the meeting. Fruits make a healthy snack.
bite	Use this word to refer to a small amount of food taken in a single bite, often used to indicate trying a piece of food or a quick, small meal. Let me have a bite of your sandwich. I just need a bite to eat before we leave.
treat	Use this word to indicate something special or indulgent, often eaten as a reward or for joy, and generally has a positive connotation. Let's have some ice cream as a treat. She got a small treat for her good behavior.
morsel	Use this word for a very small piece or amount of food, often used in formal or descriptive contexts. He savored every morsel of the gourmet meal. She gave the dog a morsel of her dinner.

Examples of usage

I like to have a snack in the afternoon.
She always carries a snack with her in case she gets hungry.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

In informal usage, a snack can refer to a small, quick meal that is not necessarily healthy or substantial.

Synonyms

bite to eat, meal, nibble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
snack	A small portion of food eaten between meals, often quickly and casually, in various settings like at work, at home, or on the go. She had a snack of crackers and cheese before heading to the gym
meal	A larger, more structured portion of food that is part of the daily eating routine, such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner, typically eaten at regular intervals. He prepares a healthy meal for dinner every evening
bite to eat	An informal way to refer to eating a small amount of food, often implying a quick, casual eating experience, usually when meeting friends or when time is limited. Let's grab a bite to eat before the movie starts
nibble	Eating small amounts of food slowly, often associated with light eating out of boredom or nervousness. It can have a slightly negative connotation if referring to eating habits. She nibbled on the cookie while reading her book

Examples of usage

Let's grab a quick snack before the movie.
I'm just going to have a snack for dinner tonight.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

informal

To snack means to eat small amounts of food between meals, often impulsively or without much thought.

Synonyms

graze, munch, nibble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
snack	Used when referring to a small amount of food eaten between main meals, often quick and convenient. I usually have a snack in the afternoon to keep my energy up. Do you want a snack before we head out?
munch	Describes eating something noisily or with a lot of enthusiasm, often crunchy or crispy foods. He was munching on a carrot while he worked. Let's munch on some popcorn while we watch the movie.
nibble	Used when taking small bites of food, often suggests delicate or cautious eating. She nibbled on a piece of chocolate. I'm just going to nibble on some cheese for now.
graze	Implies light, continuous eating without a specific meal, often while doing other tasks. Not limited to humans and can refer to animals eating grass. I've been grazing on these chips all day. The cows graze in the meadow.

Examples of usage

She tends to snack on chips while watching TV.
I try not to snack too much between meals.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'snack'

The word 'snack' originated from the Middle Dutch word 'snacken', which means 'to bite'. The concept of snacking has been around for centuries, with people enjoying small bites of food between meals. In modern times, snacking has become a popular way to satisfy hunger and cravings throughout the day.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,795, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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14792 quivering
14793 equalled
14794 trainers
14795 snack
14796 dizziness
14797 conserving
14798 emit
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