snaffle

¹ American  

[snaf-uhl] / ˈsnæf əl /

noun

1. Also called snaffle bit. a bit, usually jointed in the middle and without a curb, with a large ring at each end to which a rein and cheek strap are attached.

---

verb (used with object)

snaffled, snaffling

1. to put a snaffle on (a horse).

2. to control with or as with a snaffle.

snaffle ² American  

[snaf-uhl] / ˈsnæf əl /

verb (used with object)

British Informal.

snaffled, snaffling

1. to appropriate for one's own use, especially by devious means; purloin; filch.

---

snaffle British  

/ ˈsnæfəl /

noun

1. Also called: snaffle bit. a simple jointed bit for a horse

---

verb

1. informal to steal or take for oneself

2. to equip or control with a snaffle

Etymology

Origin of snaffle¹

1525–35; origin uncertain; compare Old Frisian snavel mouth, Dutch snavel, German Schnabel beak, bill

Origin of snaffle²

First recorded in 1715–25; origin uncertain

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

snaffle snaffled snaffling

Andrew Strauss' gravity-defying snaffle of Adam Gilchrist in 2005?

From BBC ● Dec. 5, 2025

Acorns are only on the ground for a short period, and the bears has to wander around to snaffle them all up.

From Slate ● Dec. 6, 2022

And at the end of an evening, it’s not uncommon for deer to emerge from the trees and snaffle up the leftover popcorn.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 27, 2022

Years later, I would visit the Valdes Peninsula in Argentina, where these scenes of orcas beaching themselves to snaffle sea lion pups off the shingle were filmed.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 3, 2022

In deep ground a horse requires holding together, and no lady could do this with a snaffle bridle.

From The Barb and the Bridle A Handbook of Equitation for Ladies, and Manual of Instruction in the Science of Riding, from the Preparatory Suppling Exercises by Vielle Moustache

Haseeb Hameed's thin snick, Jack Leach bowled shouldering arms, Jonny Bairstow pinned lbw, Joe Root's edged drive, Mark Wood taken in the follow-through and Ollie Robinson snaffled at third slip.

From BBC ● Nov. 19, 2025

He fell twice to West Indies left arm spinner Akeal Hosein during England's tour of the Caribbean in December and left-arm seamer Arshdeep has snaffled his wicket twice in this series.

From BBC ● Jan. 25, 2025

Chelsea were sloppy in possession at the back when Berger's heavy touch was almost snaffled by White, but City failed to capitalise.

From BBC ● Mar. 5, 2022

Maddison’s low cross, meant for Vardy, is snaffled by Alisson.

From The Guardian ● Feb. 13, 2021

Julia'd snaffled all the Jaffa Cakes 'cause she's at home all day revising for her A levels.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

Yet Denver's defense came up big when it mattered, Ja'Quan McMillian snaffling an interception to give the Broncos the chance to grab a winning score.

From Barron's ● Jan. 18, 2026

But then the latter's skillful knack of snaffling wickets came to the fore as he bagged two of Australia's dogged top order.

From BBC ● Dec. 26, 2025

For those thinking of snaffling those coins, be warned: there will be security staff on hand to keep an eye out for anyone who fancies their chances.

From The Guardian ● Jan. 26, 2013

And it'll be interesting to hear whether snaffling those last two wickets may have prevented Australia from getting a hefty over-rate fine.

From BBC ● Feb. 25, 2011

Bet you they’re snaffling it at the present moment.

From Jacob's Ladder by E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) Oppenheim

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---