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noun

kipper

KIH-puh

Kipper (noun) means a herring (or similar fish) that has been split open, salted, and smoked. Example: “He had kippers and toast for breakfast.”

noun
1
A herring (or similar fish) that has been split open, salted, and smoked.
"He had kippers and toast for breakfast."
verb
1
To preserve fish by splitting, salting, and smoking it.
"The fishermen kippered their catch to sell at market."

How to use kipper

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA smoked, salted fish (usually herring), especially eaten for breakfast in Britain.

Common pairings
smoked kipper kippers for breakfast

Word forms

more kipper comparative, more kipper comparative, kippered past tense, kippers plural, kippers plural, Kippers plural, Kippers plural, kippers singular, most kipper superlative, most kipper superlative

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Test yourself on “kipper” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He had _____ and toast for breakfast.

Etymology

From Old English "cypera," referring to a male salmon after spawning, possibly linked to the reddish color of the fish at that stage.

Origin: Old English

kippered herring

Rhymes for kipper

See all rhymes for kipper →

Frequently asked questions

What does “kipper” mean?

The word “kipper” means a herring (or similar fish) that has been split open, salted, and smoked. In plain terms, a smoked, salted fish (usually herring), especially eaten for breakfast in Britain.

How do you pronounce “kipper”?

“Kipper” is pronounced KIH-puh (/ˈkɪpə(ɹ)/ in IPA).

How do you use “kipper” in a sentence?

Here is “kipper” used in a sentence: “He had kippers and toast for breakfast.”

What part of speech is “kipper”?

Depending on how it is used, “kipper” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “kipper” come from?

The word “kipper” comes from Old English. From Old English "cypera," referring to a male salmon after spawning, possibly linked to the reddish color of the fish at that stage.

How many meanings does “kipper” have?

“Kipper” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a herring (or similar fish) that has been split open, salted, and smoked.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial