Snapshot

/ˈsnæpˌʃɒt/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A snapshot is a photograph taken quickly, often without formal posing.
I took a quick snapshot of the sunset while driving.
An informal or brief summary or report about a situation.
The report provided a snapshot of the company's financial health.
A representation or overview of a certain moment or aspect.
Her article gave a snapshot of life in the 1980s.
verb
To take a quick photograph of something.
I decided to snapshot the beautiful garden for my album.
To capture a brief moment or piece of information.
She wanted to snapshot the conversation for her notes.

Etymology

The term 'snapshot' originated in the early 19th century from 'snap', meaning to take a quick shot, and 'shot', used in the sense of a photographic image.

Common Phrases and Expressions

snapshot in time
A moment captured or described that reflects a particular period.
take a snapshot
To quickly capture a moment or image.
snapshot judgment
A quick assessment or opinion formed without thorough analysis.

Related Words

photograph
An image created by light falling on a photosensitive surface.
camera
A device for capturing images electronically or chemically.

Slang Meanings

A quick or rough estimate of a situation.
Can you give me a snapshot of how the project is going?
An informal or basic photo taken on a phone.
I just took a quick snapshot of my lunch for Instagram.