snapback

American  

[snap-bak] / ˈsnæpˌbæk /

noun

1. a sudden rebound or recovery.

2. Football. snap.

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snapback British  

/ ˈsnæpˌbæk /

noun

1. a sudden rebound or change in direction

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Usage

What else does snapback mean? A snapback is a type of baseball cap with a flat brim and an adjustable strap in the back that snaps together. They're a staple of international urban streetwear. A snapback can also refer to the backwards pass at the start of a play in American football, a recovery from a previous position (think snap out of it and bounce back), as well as a retaliation or comeback.

Etymology

Origin of snapback

1885–90, noun use of verb phrase snap back

Compare meaning

How does snapback compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• snapback vs. baseball cap
• snapback vs. fitted

Example Sentences

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index rallied hard on Wednesday, gaining 2.8%, as corners of the market that had been among the hardest-hit in 2026 surged into the lead during a torrid snapback rally.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

Prices quickly reversed, trapping short sellers and forcing a sharp snapback.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

Hedge-fund traders live in fear of letting big bonuses slip through their fingers in a late-year snapback.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 22, 2025

But those investors seldom have the resources to survive the almost inevitable snapback.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 2025

He’s got a little kid on his lap and is wearing a backwards snapback that would be fly now.

From "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas