nip 1 of 3

noun (1)

Definition of nipnext
1
as in spice
the quality or state of being stimulating to the mind or senses the barbecue sauce has a nip to it that balances out the sweetness

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2
as in shred
a very small amount I'll have just a nip of your sandwich

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3
as in chill
an uncomfortable degree of coolness there's a nip in the air today

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nip

2 of 3

noun (2)

as in sip
the portion of a serving of a beverage that is swallowed at one time give me just a nip of milk to help me swallow this pill

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nip

3 of 3

verb

ˈnip How to pronounce nip (audio)
1
as in to shave
to make (something) shorter or smaller with the use of a cutting instrument I'm just going to nip these hedges, and then I'll be done with the work outside

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2
as in to pinch
to squeeze tightly between two surfaces, edges, or points the puppy nipped her hand while playing

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3
as in to steal
to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep that guy nipped my wallet from the restaurant table when I turned away

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4
as in to hurry
to proceed or move quickly I'll just nip off to the corner store for some milk

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of nip
Noun
This lens is made up of 20 elements and two mirrors plus a large-diameter aspherical lens that nips distortion and aberration in the bud. — New Atlas, 6 Aug. 2026 Back for an Encore Why not take advantage of the coming cooler weather with plants that prefer a nip in the air? — Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
In the space of 18 months, China has gone from lagging far behind the US to hosting multiple AI models that are nipping at the heels of Silicon Valley’s champions and gaining major traction among users globally. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 Condos still win on total sales, aided by a more flexible ownership structure and a housing stock that can continue to expand, but in a twist few saw coming, co-ops are increasingly nipping at their heels. — John Walkup, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nip
  1. spice
  2. shred
  3. chill
  4. sip
  5. shave
  6. pinch
  7. steal
  8. hurry
Noun
  • Cherry tomatoes and a homemade lime dressing add acidity, while red onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño add crunch and spice.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026
  • For a state facing persistent challenges from drought, heat and limited water, researchers hope one of the world's most valuable spices could offer Colorado farmers a new opportunity—one uniquely suited to the state's climate.
    — Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of spice
Noun
  • Shouts of awe echoed behind as the final shred of the solar disk created a magnificent Diamond ring flare effect on the trailing edge of the lunar disk.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The food is stellar, as is the service, but there isn’t a shred of pretence about any of it.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of shred
Noun
  • That accusation, which could imply further arrests, has put a chill on the entire Russian telecom industry.
    — Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026
  • But Zardoya, best known as the singer of the Marias, brought a chill over the audience with a handful of tracks from Melt and her new EP, Bloom.
    — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of chill
Noun
  • The seasonal calendar is stretching earlier, chains are competing to own the first sip of autumn, and customers are voting with their orders.
    — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Continue reading … AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ – Test yourself on presidential portrayals and summer sips.
    — , FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of sip
Verb
  • Centering consumer protection In 2020, a ghost candidate scheme that helped unseat Rodriguez relied on paying candidates to run who had no plans to win but could shave votes from Democratic candidates.
    — Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
  • At 25, England cricketer Chris Lewis experienced an even more direct consequence after team-mate Devon Malcolm shaved his head during England’s 1994 West Indies tour to raise money for Children in Need.
    — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of shave
Verb
  • And in the ninth, closer Tanner Scott, the fifth Dodgers reliever to take the mound, surrendered a walk-off single to pinch-hitter Ha-Seong Kim.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • This popular wireless bra uses an elastic band in place of hardware to support your chest without digging or pinching into your skin.
    — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of pinch
Verb
  • In 1950, just before the LSU-Tulane game, Brown said a Tulane student, Norbert James, and his buddy stole LSU’s Mike the Tiger the night before their football game.
    — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The nectar contains grayanotoxin, a chemical the plant likely evolved to deter insects that steal nectar without pollinating the flower.
    — Prayan Pokharel, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of steal
Verb
  • Jeremiah Martin had a quarterback hurry on third down, forcing a throwaway.
    — Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The other officers hurried to the second scene as Hernandez tackled a fleeing Edgar to the ground.
    — Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of hurry

Phrases Containing nip

Browse Nearby Words

ninnyhammers
nip
nip and tuck
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Cite this Entry

“Nip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nip. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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