sneak definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

sneak [ sneek ]

verb (past and past participle sneaked or snuck [ snuk ], present participle sneak·ing, 3rd person present singular sneaks)

Definition:

1. intransitive verb move around stealthily: to go or move in a stealthy, secretive way

2. transitive verb do something furtively: to do something stealthily, furtively, and without being noticed

He sneaked a look over the wall.

3. transitive verb bring stealthily: to bring, take, or carry somebody or something secretly and furtively

sneak friends into the house for a surprise party

noun (plural sneaks)

Definition:

1. stealthy departure: a departure intended to be unobserved

2. U.S. dress ( informal )
Same as sneaker

3. untrustworthy person: a person regarded as cunning and deceitful ( insult )

adjective

Definition:

stealthily done: done stealthily or furtively

a sneak peek at the gifts

[Late 16th century. Origin ?]

Word Usage


	sneaked or snuck? The formerly regional and/or nonstandard past tense and past participle snuck has sneaked into mainstream English during the past 20 years. It is used in print by some of the United States' best writers, especially in informal, often humorous contexts, and in fictional dialogue. It is used even in formal contexts in Canada.