Standard Lemma guide

snaffle

noun · verb · 11 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˈsnæfəl/
  • Southern-England: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • rhymes with -æfəl

1

noun

Meaning 1

A broad-mouthed, loose-ringed bit (metal in a horse's mouth). It brings pressure to bear on the tongue and the corners of the mouth, and is often used as a training bit.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Decorative wear that looks like a snaffle.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To put a snaffle on, or control with a snaffle.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To quell or suppress.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: broadly, figuratively, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

To clutch by the bridle.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

6

verb

Meaning 6

To grab or seize; to snap up.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

7

verb

Meaning 7

To purloin, or obtain by devious means.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

8

verb

Meaning 8

To talk foolishly.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Norfolk, UK, archaic, intransitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

9

noun

Meaning 9

a simple jointed bit for a horse; without a curb

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: snaffle bit

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: bit

10

verb

Meaning 10

fit or restrain with a snaffle

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • snaffle a horse

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: bridle

11

verb

Meaning 11

get hold of or seize quickly and easily

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • I snapped up all the good buys during the garage sale

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: snap up, grab

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: take

Narrower terms: hog

History

Etymology

Apparently from Dutch snavel, from Middle Dutch snavel, snabel (“snout”), diminutive of Middle Dutch snabbe, snebbe (“bird's bill, neb”). Akin to Old Frisian snavel (“mouth”), Middle Low German snabbe (“neb, beak”), Old English nebb (“beak, bill, nose, face”). More at neb.

Real reading context

snaffle in complete knowledge articles