WordGarden.iosnick
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /snˈɪk/
US
- /snˈɪk/
Meanings
Noun
a small sharp clicking sound
a small cut or notch
in cricket, a faint edge or slight deflection off the bat
Verb
to make or cause a small sharp clicking sound
to cut or nick slightly
Beyond the definition
A "snick" is not a loud bang. It is a small, sharp sound, like something clicking or snapping into place. Think of the neat sound a key makes in a lock, or the quick sound of a pocketknife opening. It can also mean a small cut or notch in a surface. In cricket, it can mean a very light hit when the ball just brushes the edge of the bat. The word often suggests something quick, slight, and exact.
The word "snick" describes a short, sharp sound, often a light click or snap. It can be the quick noise of a latch catching, a lock turning, or a blade opening. The sound is brief and exact, and it often suggests that something has neatly moved into place. For example: "The car door closed with a firm, muffled snick."
Beyond its sound sense, "snick" can also be a noun or verb for a small cut, notch, or nick. Someone might snick a surface with a blade, or leave a small mark on wood or metal. In cricket, it also has a special meaning: it is a faint edge, when the ball only just touches the bat and changes course slightly.
The origin of "snick" is imitative: the word itself echoes the quick, sharp noise it names. It is related to "nick" and was once part of the old phrase "snick-or-snee," linked to knife fighting. Whether it refers to the sound of a lock catching, a tiny cut in a branch, or a faint edge in cricket, "snick" carries the idea of something slight, sharp, and quick.
Examples
- 1
Door latch
She heard the snick of the latch as the front door closed.
- 2
Metal clasp
The case snicked shut when he pressed the metal clasp.
- 3
Cricket
The batsman only snicked the ball, but the wicketkeeper still took the catch.
- Domain
In cricket, snick often means to touch the ball lightly with the edge of the bat.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- snicknounverb