snell

¹

[ snel ]

noun

1. a short piece of nylon, gut, or the like, by which a fishhook is attached to a line.

snell

²

[ snel ]

adjective

, Chiefly Scot.

1. active; lively:

   a snell lad.

2. witty:

   a snell remark.

3. severe:

   snell weather.

Snell

³

[ snel ]

noun

1. Peter (George), 1938–2019, New Zealand distance runner.

snell

¹

/ snɛl /

adjective

1. biting; bitter; sharp

Snell

²

/ snɛl /

noun

1. SnellSir Peter (George)1938MNew ZealandSPORT AND GAMES: athlete Sir Peter ( George ). born 1938, New Zealand athlete; winner of three Olympic gold medals: for the 800 metres in 1960, and again in 1964, when he also won gold for the 1500 metres

Word History and Origins

Origin of snell¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50; origin uncertain

Origin of snell²

before 900; Middle English, Old English; cognate with Old High German snel ( German schnell ) quick, Old Norse snjallr excellent

Word History and Origins

Origin of snell¹

Old English snel quick, active

Example Sentences

Here, costume designers Grace Snell and Jacqueline Durran discuss how the locations and turbulence in each story inform the vibrant looks.

From Los Angeles Times

For the first “Outrun” fitting, Snell arrived at Ronan’s home with five suitcases of options, including a garment steeped in personal history.

From Los Angeles Times

“This silk vest I have had for as long as I can remember in my adult life. It was given to me by my auntie,” says Snell.

From Los Angeles Times

Snell’s aunt wore it “during her Bananarama phase,” and in the late 2000s the costume designer partied in London nightclubs wearing the same rose top.

From Los Angeles Times

Snell chose a vintage tank for Soairse Ronan’s partying days in “The Outrun.”

From Los Angeles Times