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

All three specialists, long snapper JJ Jansen, punter Johnny Hekker and kicker Eddy Piñeiro, are pending free agents. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 2025

That’s one to watch as Alabama replaces its starting kicker, punter and long snapper. —Kennington Smith Iii, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025

His two most recent goals — against the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers — were backdoor snappers. —Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025

In less than a decade, fish from both oceans — snooks, jacks, snappers and more — have almost entirely displaced the freshwater species that were in the canal system before, scientists with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama have found. —Charlie Cordero, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025

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