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

“I would guess we have only seen about half of the snapback retracement in the markets so far.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 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

The short-lived sell off posed problems for many institutional investors who sold shares near the bottom, then missed the snapback, according to a note Thursday by J.P.

From Barron's • Nov. 13, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 2025

He removed his black snapback and wiped away at his sweat.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro