nab

¹ American  

[nab] / næb /

verb (used with object)

Informal.

nabbed, nabbing

1. to arrest or capture.

2. to catch or seize, especially suddenly.

3. to snatch or steal.

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NAB ² American  

1. Also N.A.B. National Association of Broadcasters.

2. New American Bible.

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nab British  

/ næb /

verb

1. to arrest

2. to catch (someone) in wrongdoing

3. to seize suddenly; snatch

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Other Word Forms

• nabber noun

Etymology

Origin of nab

1675–85; earlier nap; perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Danish nappe, Norwegian, Swedish nappa to snatch

Example Sentences

Her constituents think it's her seat, but she admits: "It's only my seat because I'm there early enough to nab it."

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

In L.A., the company said, its technology had been deployed to nab porch pirates and car thieves, not to mention played a role in solving a “high-profile crime involving stolen weapons from a politician’s home.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026

Join membership clubs to nab the best hotel or group tour deal.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 15, 2026

Smaller, digitally native brands such as Everlane and Brooklinen may have an opportunity to nab market share from bigger, well-capitalized companies that have dominated e-commerce in the postpandemic years.

From Barron's • Nov. 26, 2025

A perfect time to nab me before other recruiters do.

From "Legend" by Marie Lu