What does grabber mean?
A grabber is, literally, a person or device that grabs or takes hold of something. The word is most natural when describing a person who acts quickly, forcefully, or selfishly to obtain something, and it can carry a mildly negative or humorous tone. For example, a spectator who reaches for a newspaper before everyone else may be jokingly called a coffee-table grabber. In another sense, a grabber is a mechanical device or tool designed to grip, lift, or pull an object. The word may also describe someone who exploits a crisis or controversy for personal benefit. Although the basic meaning is straightforward, the connotations of grabber often emphasize grasping behavior rather than calm, ordinary possession. It is therefore especially useful in informal descriptions of impatient, competitive, or opportunistic people and in technical descriptions of gripping mechanisms.
nounA person or device that grabs, seizes, or takes hold of something. Informally, it can also refer to someone who quickly or selfishly takes advantage of an opportunity or situation.
- A person who grabs, snatches, or takes hold of something, especially someone who acts quickly, forcefully, or selfishly.
- A device, tool, or mechanism designed to grip, seize, or hold an object.
- A person who opportunistically takes advantage of a crisis, controversy, or other favorable situation.
"The machine has a sturdy grabber for lifting the heavy panels."
"The early arrivals were coffee-table grabbers, eager to secure the best seats."
"A mechanical grabber lifts the cable from the tangled bundle."
The standard plural is used for multiple people or devices that grab, seize, or take hold of something.
"The workers attached three grabbers to the frame."
A grabber takes hold in the most literal sense, but when the word describes a person, it usually suggests seizing more than simply holding.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How grabber is actually used
The word is uncommon in neutral formal prose. When applied to a person, it is usually informal and often mildly critical, suggesting haste, selfishness, or exploitation.