nab

verb

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

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.
In 19 minutes, Leons grabbed two offensive rebounds, scored 11 points, had four assists and nabbed three steals. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 4 July 2026 Any python-nabbing excursion requires adequate prep work to ensure everyone stays safe—and actually hunts the proper animals. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 July 2026 Head to Amazon to nab Laura Geller’s Rose Glow Spackle Primer and the rest of Drescher’s awards night glam below. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 27 June 2026 The year was 1966, when the then-15-year-old high school sophomores had just nabbed a record contract after winning a battle of the bands at a Des Plaines drive-in theater. — Chris Placek, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 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 7 Jul. 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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