snapshot

[snap-shot]

noun

1. an informal photograph, especially one taken quickly by a handheld camera.

2. Hunting.,  a quick shot taken without deliberate aim.

3. Informal.,  a brief appraisal, summary, or profile.

verb (used with or without object)

snapshot, snapshotted, snapshotting. 

1. to photograph informally and quickly.

snapshot

/ ˈsnæpˌʃɒt /

noun

1. Often shortened to: snap. an informal photograph taken with a simple camera

Word History and Origins

Origin of snapshot¹

1800–10 snapshot for def. 2; 1860–65 snapshot for def. 1; snap (in the sense “done suddenly or casually”) + shot ¹

Example Sentences

Remember, this is a snapshot, not a prediction.

Read more on BBC

Here are some snapshots of how that night went...

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"These RIF numbers from the court filing are just a snapshot in time," he said.

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This is just a snapshot of the situation in and around Venezuela right now.

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The consumer-price index offers a monthly snapshot of what Americans are paying for everything including bread, gas and airline tickets.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• photo