grabs

Noun

grab (countable and uncountable, plural grabs)

1. (countable) A sudden snatch at something.
   • The ball popped in and popped out, and when he made a grab for it on the ground he kicked it with his foot.1931 April, Harold M. Sherman, “The Baseball Clown”, in Boys' Life, volume 21, number 4, Boy Scouts of America, page 47
2. (countable) An acquisition by violent or unjust means.
3. (countable) A mechanical device that grabs or clutches.
   • Almost all modern cranes are electrically operated and a quick-acting type of 30 cwt. capacity is suitable for general cargo, but not powerful enough to operate grabs for discharge of bulk cargoes.1945 January and February, T. F. Cameron, “Dock Working”, in Railway Magazine, page 11
   1. A device for withdrawing drills, etc., from artesian and other wells that are drilled, bored, or driven.
4. (countable) A sound bite.
   • For example, one radio bulletin may feature one central issue, like a state election, and will focus on that issue. The bulletin might contain only a few voice wraps but many grabs, leaving the focus firmly on the newsreader.2008, Melissa Agnew, Here is the (Australian) News
5. (obsolete) That which is seized.

See all 17 meanings of grab