snap up
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To buy or acquire quickly, usually because the item is a bargain or in short supply or something one has been searching for.
Register: colloquial
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
I dashed into the mall; bought a gift; raced to the card store, snapped up a two-fer gift-bag special and was back in my car in 26 minutes. I could medal in power shopping.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To snap at (a person); to speak harshly to.
Register: archaic, colloquial
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “snap up” mean?
To buy or acquire quickly, usually because the item is a bargain or in short supply or something one has been searching for.
Is “snap up” formal or informal?
snap up is generally colloquial.