Snapping: meaning, definitions and examples

Identical to the first entry, snapping is best described for sudden, sharp sounds usually associated with breaking or quick movements, but it is worth noting it is also used in expressions of anger or frustration, such as snapping at someone.

• The tension in the room escalated, and he found himself snapping at his colleague.

This word denotes a loud, sudden noise often associated with something breaking or splitting. It can also describe a narrow opening or line on a surface.

• There was a loud crack as the ice broke under his weight.
• The vase fell and hit the floor with a crack.

This word often describes a light, sharp sound made by bursting or quick release, such as with balloons, bubbles, or when opening a bottle.

• The champagne cork popped as they celebrated.
• The bubble gum made a pop sound as she blew a bubble.

This word is usually used for a short, sharp sound made by pressing a button, especially on a computer mouse or a camera, or by the collision of hard objects briefly.

• He clicked the mouse to select the file.
• The camera clicked as she took a photo.

Same as the first word 'snapping', often used casually to refer to quickly taking a photo. Repeated entry.

• He was snapping photos of his dog at the beach.
• I couldn’t stop snapping pictures of the sunset.

More formal and general term, suitable for all types of photography, professional or amateur. Used when referring to the act of taking photographs more seriously or methodically.

• He is photographing the wedding this Saturday.
• She enjoys photographing wildlife during her travels.

Commonly used in professional contexts or when referring to planned photo sessions, often involving serious equipment. Can also mean video recording but has a potential negative connotation relating to firearms.

• The team is shooting a new fashion campaign this week.
• We were shooting scenes for our new film.

Refer to the entry for 'snapping' above, as this is a duplicate.

Refers to a sudden, sharp sound often resulting from breaking or splitting something hard. It can also be used to describe sudden loud noises like gunshots or thunder.

• He heard the crack of the bat as it hit the ball.
• The ice began to crack under their weight.
• There was a loud crack and then silence.

Used to describe a short, explosive sound often associated with small explosions or sudden releases of pressure. It can also describe a visual 'popping' out effect in graphics.

• The balloons popped one by one.
• She heard a pop and the tire went flat.
• The colors in the painting really pop.

Used to describe a short, sharp sound often associated with the operation of mechanical devices, like a mouse or a pen. It can also be used in a figurative sense, referring to understanding or synchronization.

• She felt a click as she pressed the mouse button.
• The lock clicked open.
• Everything just clicked into place.