Snack Definition: Usage and Examples

Meaning 1：a light bite (snack)

snack 🔊

/snæk/

A small amount of food you eat between main meals when you're a little hungry or just want something tasty.

Snack definition illustrated by a hand picking healthy snacks from a bowl

a light bite 🔊

➕

/ə laɪt baɪt/

A small portion of food, typically easy to eat, consumed between main meals.

📁 Category：Diet & Health 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Middle Dutch 'snacken', meaning 'to bite' or 'to snap'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of the sound 'snack' – like 'snap and crack' – the sound of eating a crisp snack.

📖 Example

In the afternoon, my colleague pulled out an apple and a bag of nuts from her desk drawer and said, "Just having a little snack to keep me going." 🔊 My colleague was eating a small, quick bite of food in the afternoon to maintain her energy.

🔗 Collocations

have a snack – To eat a small amount of food between meals.

snack bar – A small counter or shop selling light snacks and drinks.

snack food – Foods specifically designed or suitable for eating as snacks.

🔄 Synonyms

nibble (n.) – A small bite or light snack.

refreshment (n.) – A light snack or drink, especially one provided at a meeting or event.

bite (n.) – A small amount of food; a quick snack.

🚫 Antonyms

meal (n.) – One of the regular daily occasions for eating food, such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

🌱 Derivatives

snacker (n.) – A person who eats snacks regularly.

snackable (adj.) – Suitable or convenient for eating as a snack.

📖 Cultural Story

Originally from Middle Dutch, 'snack' entered English meaning a share or portion. By the late 18th century, it evolved to mean a light, quick bite. Today, it's central to a multi-billion-dollar global industry and office culture.