nab

¹

[nab]

verb (used with object)

Informal.

nabbed, nabbing 

1. to arrest or capture.

2. to catch or seize, especially suddenly.

3. to snatch or steal.

NAB

²

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

2. New American Bible.

nab

/ næb /

verb

1. to arrest

2. to catch (someone) in wrongdoing

3. to seize suddenly; snatch

Other Word Forms

• nabber noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nab¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of nab¹

C17: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Danish nappe, Swedish nappa to snatch. See _kidnap

Example Sentences

The nominees for the 26th annual Latin Grammy Awards were announced Wednesday morning, with Bad Bunny nabbing the most nominations in 2025.

From Los Angeles Times

Rogen and Goldberg told The Times, when they nabbed a record-setting 23 Emmy nominations this summer, the awards attention was unexpected.

From Los Angeles Times

While Austria nabbed first place, second place was awarded to Poland, while Norway took third, and Croatia finished last.

From BBC

Federal prosecutors say that by quickly nabbing popular early morning tee times almost immediately after they were available to the public, the brothers “created a monopoly” of Southern California golf courses.

From Los Angeles Times

The feds even nabbed U.S. citizens or detained them for hours before releasing them with no apology.

From Los Angeles Times