snack

[ snak ]

noun

1. a small portion of food or drink or a light meal, especially one eaten between regular meals.
2. a share or portion.
3. Slang. a sexy and physically attractive person; hottie.
4. Australian Slang. something easily done.

verb (used without object)

1. to have a snack or light meal, especially between regular meals:

   They snacked on tea and cake.

snack

/ snæk /

noun

1. a light quick meal eaten between or in place of main meals
2. a sip or bite
3. rare.
   a share
4. informal.
   a very easy task

verb

1. intr to eat a snack

Word History and Origins

Origin of snack¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English verb snacchen, snac(c)he, snak “(of a dog) to snap at, bite, seize”; Middle English noun snacche, snak(e); further origin uncertain; compare Middle Dutch snacken “(of a dog) to snap”: Norwegian dialect snaka “(of an animal) to snatch”

Word History and Origins

Origin of snack¹

C15: probably from Middle Dutch snacken, variant of snappen to snap

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. go snack / snacks, Archaic. to share profits or returns.

Example Sentences

But the nuts have also grown to be a popular snack throughout the States.

From Salon

Ain’t no mountain high enough to forgo a snack while hiking — and these specialty items make great gourmet stocking stuffers.

From Los Angeles Times

We have gifts for those hungry for new hiking gear, gardening tools or the perfect snack.

From Los Angeles Times

Steam rises from snack stands selling noodles and sizzled octopus on sticks on the Chinese side.

From BBC

“It was like I put out a snack for Andy,” Stewart said.

From Salon

Related Words

• lunch
• morsel
• refreshment
• tea