Is snack a formal word?

No, it is common and natural in everyday English.

What is the difference between snack and meal?

A snack is smaller and lighter than a meal.

Yes. You can say, “I snack in the evening.”

Is snack used in business writing?

Yes, but usually for food, catering, or office breaks.

← Dictionary

snack

/snæk/

IELTSAcademic

noun

A small amount of food eaten between meals. It is usually quick and not a full meal.

I had a snack before dinner.
Fruit is a healthy snack.
He bought chips for a snack.

verb

To eat a small amount of food between meals.

I often snack in the afternoon.
She snacked on nuts while studying.
Don't snack too much before lunch.

Adinary Nuance

Snack is smaller and less formal than meal. It is more specific than food or bite to eat, which can mean any amount. People usually say snack for something quick, light, and eaten between meals.

In other languages

Vietnamese: món ăn nhẹ
Spanish: tentempié
Chinese: 零食
Japanese: 軽食
Korean: 간식

Etymology

Snack came into English in the 1700s from Dutch snacken, meaning “to snatch” or “to bite quickly.” The idea of eating quickly still fits the word today.

Common phrases

snack timesnack barhealthy snackmidnight snack

Synonyms

bite nibble light meal

Related words

meal lunch treat appetite

Frequently asked questions

Is snack a formal word?: No, it is common and natural in everyday English.
What is the difference between snack and meal?: A snack is smaller and lighter than a meal.
Can snack be a verb?: Yes. You can say, “I snack in the evening.”
Is snack used in business writing?: Yes, but usually for food, catering, or office breaks.