snapshot

American  

[snap-shot] / ˈsnæpˌʃɒt /

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.

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verb (used with or without object)

snapshot, snapshotted, snapshotting

1. to photograph informally and quickly.

snapshot British  

/ ˈsnæpˌʃɒt /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of snapshot

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

Example Sentences

In one, rugmakers patiently sit with their weavings—a calmly expectant snapshot that reflects on the final days the artist spent waiting for the birth of his child.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some 4,793 people were estimated to be sleeping on the streets on a single night last autumn, according to the latest snapshot figures released by the government on Thursday - a 3% increase from 2024.

From BBC

Forking over thousands of nonrefundable dollars on the strength of snapshots and a gushing profile drafted by the property’s host?

From The Wall Street Journal

Expect them to view risk and opportunity in snapshots of time, making short-term wagers on events, rather than investing in thematic trends that evolve over longer periods.

From Barron's

The authors caution that the findings represent a single snapshot in time and do not establish cause and effect.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• photo