snapper

noun

snap·​per ˈsna-pər 

plural snappers

1

: one that snaps: such as

a

: something (such as a remark) that gives new orientation to a situation or utterance

b(1)

: snapping turtle

(2)

: click beetle

2

plural also snapper

a

: any of numerous active carnivorous fishes (family Lutjanidae) of warm seas important as food and often as sport fishes

b

: any of several immature fishes (such as the young of the bluefish) that resemble a snapper

Examples of snapper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Common snappers have white dots on their undersides, while alligator snappers don’t. —Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2024

From the Los Angeles Times, a story on blind former Orange Lutheran and USC long snapper Jake Olson and the death of his 14-year-old guide dog. —Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2024

Those sharks, turtles, baby snappers and hundreds of other species tend to die in the nets or on the deck of the boat. —Erik Vance, New York Times, 28 May 2024

Among the fish found there are mutton snapper, gray snapper and yellowtail snapper, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website. —Omar Rodríguez Ortiz, Miami Herald, 1 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing snapper

• alligator snapper
• red snapper
• snapper-back

Kids Definition

snapper

noun

snap·​per ˈsnap-ər 

plural snappers

1

a

: something that snaps

b

: snapping turtle

2

plural also snapper

a

: any of a large family of active flesh-eating fishes of warm seas that are important as food and sport fishes

b

: any of several immature fishes (as the young of the bluefish) that resemble a snapper