snapshot

noun

snap·​shot ˈsnap-ˌshät 

1

: a casual photograph made typically by an amateur with a small handheld camera

2

: an impression or view of something brief or transitory

a snapshot of life back then

Synonyms

• photo
• photograph
• pic
• print
• shot
• snap

Examples of snapshot in a Sentence

fans excitedly took snapshots of the rock star as he dashed into the hotel

Recent Examples on the Web

According to a snapshot of the plan’s former webpage, the initiative intended in part to improve college access, affordability and completion for underserved students. —Annie Ma, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2025

This one dwells on a more private image, a family snapshot, and on the elusive emotions and memories that live inside it. —A.o. Scott, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025

And the sideline snapshot of him diving, fully extended toward the pylon became synonymous with his MVP bid. —Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025

So, the panoramic mosaic required hundreds of snapshots taken across 1,000 orbits by the telescope, according to a NASA statement. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

snapshot

noun

snap·​shot ˈsnap-ˌshät 

: a photograph taken usually with a small hand-held camera