First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1nip
verb \ˈnip\
nippednip·ping
Definition of NIP
transitive verb
1
2
a : to sever by or as if by pinching sharply b : to destroy the growth, progress, or fulfillment of <nipped in the bud>
3
: to injure or make numb with cold : chill
5
: to defeat by a small margin
intransitive verb
1
: to move briskly, nimbly, or quickly
2
chiefly British : to make a quick trip
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Origin of NIP
Middle English nippen; akin to Middle Dutch nipen to pinch, Old Norse hnippa to prod
2nip
noun
Definition of NIP
1
: something that nips: as a archaic : a sharp biting comment b : a sharp stinging cold <a nip in the air> c : a biting or pungent flavor : tang
3
: the region of a squeezing or crushing device (as a calender) where the rolls or jaws are closest together
4
: a small portion
First Known Use of NIP
1549
3nip
noun
Definition of NIP
: a small quantity of liquor : sip; also : a very small bottle of liquor
Origin of NIP
probably from nipperkin, a liquor container
First Known Use: circa 1796
4nip
verb
nippednip·ping
NIP[1] Defined for Kids
1nip
verb \ˈnip\
nippednip·ping
Definition of NIP for Kids
1
: to bite or pinch lightly <The dog nipped at my ankles.>
2
: to injure or make numb with cold <A chill wind was blowing that nipped him sharply … — Jack London, The Call of the Wild>
3
: to remove or cut off by or as if by pinching <Nip off the flower bud with your fingers.>
4
: to move quickly <I nipped upstairs to fetch my book.>
— nip (something) in the bud
: to stop (something) right away so it does not become a problem
2nip
noun
Definition of NIP for Kids
: a light bite or pinch <The dog gave me a nip on the leg.>
3nip
noun
Definition of NIP for Kids
: a small amount of liquor
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