1
a(1)
: a contrivance often consisting of a noose for entangling birds or mammals
(2)
b(1)
: something by which one is entangled, involved in difficulties, or impeded
(2)
: something deceptively attractive
2
[probably from Dutch snaar, literally, cord; akin to Old High German snuor]
a
: one of the catgut strings or metal spirals of a snare drum
b
3
: a surgical instrument consisting usually of a wire loop constricted by a mechanism in the handle and used for removing tissue masses (such as tonsils)
snared; snaring
1
a
: to capture by or as if by use of a snare
b
: to win or attain by artful or skillful maneuvers
2
: to entangle or hold as if in a snare
any object that snared his eye—
Current Biography
Current Biography
snarer
noun
Synonyms
Examples of snare in a Sentence
Noun
people caught in the snare of drug addiction
you fell for my clever snare, you fool!
Verb
They caught fish and snared seabirds.
Unfortunately, the nets also snare turtles.
They snared first place in the contest.
trying to snare business from competitors
The shortstop snared a high throw from the outfield.
Recent Examples on the Web
Scott Travers, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Props to whoever pitched the idea of performing in oversize bug costumes to Weezer, and props to the band for enthusiastically agreeing, because when that camera zooms in on drummer Patrick Wilson hitting a snare while dressed as a praying mantis?
—Marah Eakin, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2024
Julia Preston, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2024
With his body flexibility and length, McMillan can contort his frame, high-point or reach back and snare the ball before the defender has a chance to make a play.
—Dane Brugler, The Athletic, 18 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for snare 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
The proliferation of snares is perhaps the most pressing threat to their survival.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Props to whoever pitched the idea of performing in oversize bug costumes to Weezer, and props to the band for enthusiastically agreeing, because when that camera zooms in on drummer Patrick Wilson hitting a snare while dressed as a praying mantis?
—Marah Eakin, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2024
Verb
Residents also grew frustrated, as migrants reluctantly snared in endless court proceedings appeared to be gaming the system and living off the taxpayers’ dole.
—Julia Preston, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2024
With his body flexibility and length, McMillan can contort his frame, high-point or reach back and snare the ball before the defender has a chance to make a play.
—Dane Brugler, The Athletic, 18 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for snare
Dictionary Entries Near snare
Cite this Entry
“Snare.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snare. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
snare
1 of 2 noun
ˈsna(ə)r 
ˈsne(ə)r
1
a
: a trap often consisting of a noose for catching small animals or birds
b
: something by which one is entangled, trapped, or deceived
2
: one of the catgut strings or metal spirals stretched across the bottom of a snare drum
snare
2 of 2 verb
snared; snaring
1
: to capture or entangle by or as if by use of a snare
2
: to win by skillful or deceptive measures
snarer
noun
Medical Definition
snare
noun
: a surgical instrument consisting usually of a wire loop constricted by a mechanism in the handle and used for removing tissue masses (as tonsils or polyps)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share