chip

13 synonyms for chip, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A small piece broken off a larger object, or the mark left where it broke off.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

nick bit check

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

fragment splinter crisp

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

sliver shard flake chipping fleck microchip knap

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A small piece broken off a larger object, or the mark left where it broke off.

“I noticed a chip in the wall where the chair had hit it.”

fragment sliver shard flake splinter nick bit chipping crisp fleck check microchip

2. verb

To break a small piece off something.

“Be careful not to chip the plates when you stack them.”

knap nick

How to use chip

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

chip in computer chip fish and chips

Etymology

From Old English ċipp, meaning a small piece of wood or shaving, related to a Germanic root for cutting or chopping.

Full origin of chip →

Frequently asked questions

What does “chip” mean?

The word “chip” means a small piece broken off a larger object, or the mark left where it broke off. In plain terms, a small broken-off piece, a tiny computer circuit, a fried potato slice, or (as a verb) to break off a small piece or to pitch in.

How do you pronounce “chip”?

“Chip” is pronounced chihp (/t͡ʃɪp/ in IPA).

How do you use “chip” in a sentence?

Here is “chip” used in a sentence: “There's a chip in the rim of this mug.”

What part of speech is “chip”?

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

Where does the word “chip” come from?

The word “chip” comes from Old English. From Old English ċipp, meaning a small piece of wood or shaving, related to a Germanic root for cutting or chopping.

Is “chip” a common word?

“Chip” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “chip” have?

“Chip” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small piece broken off a larger object, or the mark left where it broke off.

What is the difference between a 'chip' and a 'crisp'?

In British English, a thin fried slice of potato is called a 'crisp,' while a 'chip' is a thick fried baton of potato (called a 'fry' in American English). In American English, that same thin fried slice is called a 'chip,' which is a frequent source of confusion between the two dialects.

What is the difference between a 'chip' and a 'microchip'?

Both a 'chip' and a 'microchip' refer to a tiny electronic circuit built onto a small piece of material such as silicon. 'Chip' is the everyday shortened term, while 'microchip' emphasises how extremely small the circuit is.

People also searched

bit check nick crisp fragment splinter flake fleck sliver microchip shard chipping

Nearby words

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