nab

[ nab ]

/ næb /

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See synonyms for nab on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), nabbed, nab·bing.Informal.

to arrest or capture.

to catch or seize, especially suddenly.

to snatch or steal.

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Origin of nab

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

OTHER WORDS FROM nab

nabber, noun

Other definitions for nab (2 of 2)

NAB

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

New American Bible.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use nab in a sentence

The Los Angeles and New York-based venture firm M13 has managed to nab former Techstars LA managing director, Anna Barber, as its newest partner and the head of its internal venture studio, Launchpad.
Venture firm M13 names former Techstars LA managing director, Anna Barber, as its newest partner|Jonathan Shieber|November 12, 2020|TechCrunch
Instead, she nabbed a room for less than $200 a night at a hotel at National Harbor in Prince George’s County, about 13 miles from downtown.
Washington-bound travelers finding higher airfares, hotel rates for Jan. 20 presidential inauguration|Keith L. Alexander|November 9, 2020|Washington Post
EVs are so hot right now that startups don’t need to be particularly promising or novel to nab funding.
The electric car frenzy is helping even troubled companies raise big money|dzanemorris|October 23, 2020|Fortune
Buy nowThe Texas State Fair Chili by Packit Gourmet is clearly the best in show, nabbing the number one spot for both taste and nutrition.
The Best Ready-to-Eat Backpacking Meals|Jenny McCoy|October 8, 2020|Outside Online

I won’t reveal the whole list here, but I will—spoiler alert—tell you who nabbed the top spot.
Who’s changing the world this year? The clue lies in unprecedented collaboration|Alan Murray|September 21, 2020|Fortune
And yet, she nabbed a Best Supporting Actress nomination over the one and only Oprah.
15 Golden Globe Snubs and Surprises: No Oprah, No Jon Hamm, and More|Kevin Fallon, Marlow Stern|December 12, 2013|DAILY BEAST
According to the Los Angeles Times, he was nabbed by store security after they saw him place a pair of headphones down his pants.
The Venice Beach Menace’s Troubled Past|Christine Pelisek, Barbie Latza Nadeau|August 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST
His was one of 11 nominations for Homeland, which also nabbed a supporting actress nod for Morena Baccarin.
Emmy Nomination Surprises and Snubs: ‘House of Cards,’ ‘Orphan Black,’ and More|Jason Lynch|July 18, 2013|DAILY BEAST
[Style.com] Kate Upton's New Vogue Cred: Kate Upton has nabbed another Vogue cover.
Kim Kardashian Finally Gets Noticed By Vogue; Rick Owens's Eurovision Performance|The Fashion Beast Team|June 28, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Red Sox centerfield Johnny Pesky nabbed the relay, double-clutched the ball, and threw late to the plate.
The Idiot’s Guide to Writing a Baseball Book|Luke Epplin|May 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST
I see your game, my lad; either I am to fall into bad company again, or to be split upon and nabbed for that last job.
It Is Never Too Late to Mend|Charles Reade
"He'll not get out without being nabbed," declared Sam Bronson.
Frank Merriwell's Pursuit|Burt L. Standish
He's nabbed three of the Birdsall gang and is away now after Burleigh.
Warrior Gap|Charles King
Meantime, however, the latter had taken his departure, to be nabbed a few minutes later.
Shadow, the Mysterious Detective|Police Captain Howard
"That's the list of the things I've done, and never been nabbed yet," said one, as he finished a story of crime.
Shadow, the Mysterious Detective|Police Captain Howard

British Dictionary definitions for nab

nab

/ (næb) /

verb nabs, nabbing or nabbed (tr) informal

to arrest

to catch (someone) in wrongdoing

to seize suddenly; snatch

Word Origin for nab

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012