snapshot
Americannoun
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an informal photograph, especially one taken quickly by a handheld camera.
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Hunting. a quick shot taken without deliberate aim.
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Informal. a brief appraisal, summary, or profile.
verb (used with or without object)
noun
Etymology
Origin of snapshot
1800–10 snapshot for def. 2; 1860–65 snapshot for def. 1; snap (in the sense “done suddenly or casually”) + shot 1
Explanation
A snapshot is a quick photograph taken for fun. Be sure to take lots of snapshots while you're on vacation! Using the word snapshot makes it clear you're not talking about professional photographs or artistic shots you've put some thought into. A snapshot just captures a brief moment in time. You can also use this word to mean "impression or summary." A person's obituary, even if deeply moving, can never be more than a snapshot of their varied, complex life. The original 17th0century meaning of snapshot was "quick shot with a gun at a fast-moving target."
Vocabulary lists containing snapshot
Photography Lingo
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Additional Literary Terms, Unit 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Experts note the 1.57 total fertility rate is a snapshot, with 30% of the decline from falling teen pregnancy rates.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026
The report is expected to give investors a snapshot of the economy last month as yields rose and inflation climbed.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026
Traders are also awaiting the release of key US jobs figures on Friday, which should provide a fresh snapshot of the US economy as rising energy prices sends inflation rising.
From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026
This is a snapshot, an insight into how modern government functions.
From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026
No. This isn’t some police sketch or shady security camera snapshot.
From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
