sneaking

Language▾

German

Persian

Russian

Spanish

sneak

An action that sneaking describes is moving quietly and secretly, often for personal gain or without permission.

Sneaking around usually means being sneaky and trying to stay hidden from people who might get upset with you. Imagine being a kid who wants to sneak into the kitchen late at night to grab a midnight snack, but your parents are asleep right next door – they would not be happy if they caught you!

How common is "sneaking"?

Word sneaking is considered rare in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

verb

To creep or go stealthily; to come or go while trying to avoid detection, as a person who does not wish to be seen.
Example: He decided to sneak into the kitchen for a second cookie while his mom was on the phone.
To take something stealthily without permission.
Example: I went to sneak a chocolate but my dad caught me.
(ditransitive) To stealthily bring someone something.
Example: She asked me to sneak her a phone next month.
To hide, especially in a mean or cowardly manner.
(with on) To inform an authority of another's misdemeanours.
Example: If you sneak on me I'll bash you!