snack - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
snack Word Meanings
- a small amount of food eaten between meals
- a quick bite or refreshment
- to eat a small portion of food
snack Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
snack Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/snæk/
US
/snæk/
snack Word Etymology
snack (n.) combines 'snack' from Middle Dutch 'snacken' (to bite) and the root related to eating quickly; it originates from a Germanic root. Imagine someone quickly grabbing a bite of food as they rush in the kitchen.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Snack is a versatile English word with two core uses. As a noun, it denotes a small amount of food eaten between meals, often chosen for quick energy or flavor. Snacks can be sweet or savory, homemade or store-bought, and they come in many forms from fruit to chips. As a verb, to snack means to eat a small portion of food, usually without the intention of a full meal; you can say you snack on fruit, nuts, or crackers. In everyday speech you’ll find phrases like 'afternoon snack', 'snack break', and 'snack time', signaling a casual, relaxed eating moment.
Usage Reminders
- Use snack for a small bite between meals
- Say 'snack on' when you mean to eat something casually
- Pair with adjectives like 'healthy' or 'junk' to show quality or type
- Avoid treating snacks as meals or making them too formal
- Recognize common collocations: 'afternoon snack', 'late-night snack'
Common Misconceptions
- Snacks are always unhealthy or junk food
- Snacks replace meals
- A snack is only something sweet
- All snacks are processed or packaged
- Snack is not appropriate in formal writing
Thinking Differences
Explain snack as a casual, flexible term tied to a moment between meals and a small bite; emphasize 'snack on' as a common collocation.
Learning Tips
- Learn at least 6 common collocations with snack (healthy, junk, time, break, on)
- Practice distinguishing noun vs verb usage in sentences
- Listen to native speech to hear natural timing (between meals)
- Use 'snack on' with foods you actually eat as snacks
- Record yourself using 'snack' in different contexts
- Read recipes or menus to see snack examples in context
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is the word 'snack' used correctly?
A.She went to bed early to snack the alarm clock.
B.The cat decided to snack on the mouse.
C.The teacher asked the students to snack on their homework.
D.He had a healthy snack of fruits and nuts.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which is a synonym for 'snack'?
A.Feast
B.Breakfast
C.Meal
D.Dinner
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'snack'?
A.Starve
B.Buffet
C.Fast
D.Banquet
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you typically have a snack?
A.At a car wash
B.At a movie theater
C.At a library
D.At a swimming pool
Related Listening
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