Meaning & Definition of word "Snail"

Snail

/neɪl/

noun:

  • 1. A slow-moving, shell-bearing mollusk that often has a spiral-shaped shell.
    • Example: The garden was full of snails munching on the leaves.
  • 2. A person or thing that moves slowly.
    • Example: They were moving at a snail's pace during the traffic jam.
  • 3. A type of mollusk, usually in the class Gastropoda, characterized by a coiled shell and a soft body.
    • Example: The teacher brought in a live snail for the class to observe.
  • 4. A term used in a figurative sense to describe sluggishness or slowness in movement or progress.
    • Example: The project is progressing like a snail, much to everyone's frustration.

Etymology

Old English 'snægl', related to similar words in other Germanic languages.

Common Phrases and Expressions

snail mail:

Traditional postal service as opposed to electronic communication.

slow as a snail:

Very slow; taking a long time to progress.

Related Words

slug:

A gastropod mollusk that lacks a shell.

shell:

The hard protective outer case of some mollusks and certain other animals.

Slang Meanings of snail

Meaning: To move very slowly.

Example Sentence: He really snails through his chores every weekend.

Meaning: To take a long time to do something.

Example Sentence: Don't snail around, we need to leave soon!