nip
23 synonyms for nip, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To pinch or bite quickly and lightly.
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.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To pinch or bite quickly and lightly.
“The puppy nipped at my heels the whole walk.”
2. noun
A small drink of spirits.
“He took a nip of whisky to warm up.”
How to use nip
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
nip in the bud
a nip in the air
nip and tuck
Etymology
From late Middle English nippen, related to Low German and Dutch words meaning "to pinch."
Full origin of nip →Frequently asked questions
What does “nip” mean?
The word “nip” means to pinch or bite quickly and lightly. In plain terms, to pinch or bite lightly, to sting with cold, to dash somewhere briefly, or a small drink of alcohol.
How do you pronounce “nip”?
“Nip” is pronounced nihp (/nɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “nip” in a sentence?
Here is “nip” used in a sentence: “The puppy nipped at my heels the whole walk.”
What part of speech is “nip”?
Depending on how it is used, “nip” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “nip” come from?
The word “nip” comes from Middle English. From late Middle English nippen, related to Low German and Dutch words meaning "to pinch.".
Is “nip” a common word?
“Nip” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “nip” have?
“Nip” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to pinch or bite quickly and lightly.
