nab

verb

ˈnab How to pronounce nab (audio)
nabbed; nabbing
Synonyms of nab

transitive verb

1
: to catch or seize in arrest : apprehend
2
: to seize suddenly

Synonyms of nab

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Examples of nab in a Sentence

We nabbed seats in the front row of the theater. the officer nabbed the purse snatcher before he could escape
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hart was nabbed for marijuana possession in 2007, according to the New York Times. — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 9 Aug. 2026 With that in mind, Jackson suggests that guests head to the depot a little early to nab the perfect spot. — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2026 Good Will Hunting nabbed both Matt Damon and Ben Affleck Oscars for Best Original Screenplay and shot them both out of a cannon into a new level of fame—but the two men were broke after making the 1997 film, Damon said in a new interview. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026 Federal immigration authorities are focused on nabbing people who have overstayed visas and are traveling domestically. — Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nab

Word History

Etymology

perhaps alteration of English dialect nap

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nab was in 1686

Rhymes for nab

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Browse Nearby Words

Naats'ihch'oh National Park Reserve
nab
Nabal
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Cite this Entry

“Nab.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nab. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

nab

verb
ˈnab How to pronounce nab (audio)
nabbed; nabbing
1
: to seize and take into custody : arrest
2
: to seize suddenly
especially : steal entry 1 sense 2a

More from Merriam-Webster on nab

Nglish: Translation of nab for Spanish Speakers

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