lip
11 synonyms for lip, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Either of the two fleshy edges around the mouth.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use lip
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
bite your lip
give someone lip
lip of the cup
"Lip" meaning cheek/backtalk is informal.
Etymology
From Old English lippa, going back to a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to hang loosely or droop."
Full origin of lip →Frequently asked questions
What does “lip” mean?
The word “lip” means either of the two fleshy edges around the mouth. In plain terms, the soft edge of the mouth — or, informally, rude backchat.
How do you pronounce “lip”?
“Lip” is pronounced lihp (/lɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “lip” in a sentence?
Here is “lip” used in a sentence: “She bit her lip nervously before answering.”
What part of speech is “lip”?
Depending on how it is used, “lip” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “lip” come from?
The word “lip” comes from Old English. From Old English lippa, going back to a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to hang loosely or droop.".
Is “lip” a common word?
“Lip” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “lip” have?
“Lip” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: either of the two fleshy edges around the mouth.
What is the difference between "lip" and "lips"?
Singular "lip" refers to one of the two fleshy edges around the mouth, or figuratively to cheeky backtalk. Plural "lips" refers to both edges together, as in "she bit her lips." The backtalk sense is always singular and uncountable.
Is the "backtalk" meaning of "lip" formal or informal?
The sense of "lip" meaning cheeky backtalk is informal and appears mainly in spoken English, as in "Don't give me any lip." In formal writing you would use words like "insolence" or "impertinence" instead.
