Definition

Noun: A type of food specifically prepared and intended for consumption as a light meal or between regular meals. It is typically convenient, ready-to-eat, and often packaged.

Usage

"Snack food" is a compound noun used to categorize food items based on their purpose (eating between meals) rather than their specific ingredients. It is often used in retail, nutrition, and general conversation.

Examples

• The supermarket aisle was filled with various snack foods like chips, nuts, and cookies.
• When planning the party, remember to include some healthy snack food for the guests.
• Many snack foods are high in salt and sugar.

Advanced Usage

• As a mass noun: Can be used uncountably to refer to the category in general.
  • The study examined the marketing of snack food to children.
• As a count noun: Often used in the plural form ("snack foods") to refer to multiple items or types.
  • Processed snack foods dominate the market.

Variants and Related Words

• Snack (n/v): The act of eating a light meal or the food itself. ("I need a snack." / "Don't snack before dinner.")
• Snack bar (n): A place where snacks are sold.
• Snack-sized (adj): Describing a portion suitable for a snack.

Synonyms

• Nibble
• Munchies (informal)
• Light refreshments

Antonyms

• Main course
• Entrée
• Full meal

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Snack attack (informal idiom): A sudden desire to eat a snack.
  • I'm having a snack attack; I need some chips.

Noun

1. food for light meals or for eating between meals