nip

verb
UK: /nɪp/
US: /nɪp/

  1. To bite or squeeze something quickly and lightly.

    1. The dog might nip if it feels threatened by a stranger.
    2. Be careful, that crab might nip your finger if you get too close to it.

  2. To pinch something, often to remove it or shape it.

    1. She had to nip the dead flower heads off the roses to encourage new growth.
    2. The tailor will nip in the waist of the dress to give it a better shape.

  3. To feel uncomfortably cold.

    1. The cold wind made my face nip.
    2. A cold draft started to nip at her exposed ankles as the sun went down.

  4. To go somewhere quickly and for only a short time.

    1. I'll nip to the store for some milk.
    2. He'll nip out to grab a coffee and be back in five minutes.

Synonyms

dash pinch bite dart sip
nip noun

  1. A quick, light bite or squeeze.

    1. The puppy gave a playful nip.
    2. The crab gave me a small nip on my toe at the beach.

  2. A small amount of a strong alcoholic drink.

    1. He took a nip of whiskey to warm up.
    2. She had a nip of brandy before going to bed to help her sleep.

  3. A sharp, cold feeling.

    1. There's a nip in the air today.
    2. After summer, there's a sudden nip in the air that signals the arrival of autumn.

  4. A quick trip somewhere.

    1. I'm going on a quick nip to the shop.
    2. He made a nip to the bank before it closed for the day.
nip adverb

  1. A quick movement or action.

    1. She nipped through the crowd.
    2. He managed to nip ahead in the line before anyone noticed.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "nip" in English means: To bite or squeeze something quickly and lightly., To pinch something, often to remove it or shape it., To feel uncomfortably cold., To go somewhere quickly and for only a short time..

The phonetic transcription of "nip" is /nɪp/ in British English and /nɪp/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "nip": dash, pinch, bite, dart, sip.

Example usage of "nip": "The dog might nip if it feels threatened by a stranger.". More examples on the page.