Snail: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is commonly used in everyday language to refer to the small, slow-moving creatures with a coiled shell often found in gardens.

• Look at the snail crawling on the leaf.
• The snail's pace is very slow.

This word refers to a type of mollusk that looks similar to a snail but lacks a shell. Often found in gardens and can be negative as they are known to damage plants.

• I found a slug eating my tomatoes.
• Gardeners often struggle with slugs harming their plants.

This term is specifically used when referring to cooked snails as a delicacy in French cuisine.

• I tried escargot for the first time at a fancy French restaurant.
• Escargot is considered a gourmet dish in many places.

This is a scientific term used to describe a large group of invertebrate animals which include snails, slugs, octopuses, and clams. Use this term in biological or zoological contexts.

• Snails and slugs belong to the group of animals known as mollusks.
• Marine mollusks include species like octopuses and squid.

The same as the first entry. It describes a slow-moving person or action, typically used in casual or slightly humorous contexts.

• Traffic moved like a snail during the rush hour

This is a playful and informal way to describe someone who takes their time doing things. It is often used affectionately or teasingly.

• Come on, slowpoke, we're going to be late for the movie!

This word is used in a critical way to describe someone who is habitually lazy and slow. It carries a strongly negative connotation.

• He was labeled a sluggard by his teammates due to his lack of effort in practice

Use 'laggard' in more formal or serious contexts to describe someone who is slow and falls behind others. This term has a slightly negative connotation.

• The laggard of the group held everyone back during the hike