zip
14 synonyms and 2 antonyms for zip, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A fastener made of two rows of interlocking teeth pulled together by a sliding tab; also called a zipper.
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. noun
A fastener made of two rows of interlocking teeth pulled together by a sliding tab; also called a zipper.
“She struggled with the zip at the back of her dress.”
How to use zip
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
zip up
zip a file
zip past
zip code
Etymology
An imitative word coined to mimic the quick, sharp sound of something moving rapidly.
Full origin of zip →Frequently asked questions
What does “zip” mean?
The word “zip” means a fastener made of two rows of interlocking teeth pulled together by a sliding tab; also called a zipper. In plain terms, depending on context: a sliding fastener, moving very fast, having zero of something, or compressing a computer file.
How do you pronounce “zip”?
“Zip” is pronounced zihp (/zɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “zip” in a sentence?
Here is “zip” used in a sentence: “The zip on his jacket got stuck halfway up.”
What part of speech is “zip”?
Depending on how it is used, “zip” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “zip” a common word?
“Zip” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “zip” have?
“Zip” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a fastener made of two rows of interlocking teeth pulled together by a sliding tab; also called a zipper.
What is the difference between zip and zipper?
They refer to the same fastener made of two rows of interlocking teeth pulled together by a sliding tab. 'Zip' is the usual term in British English, while 'zipper' is standard in American English.
What is the difference between zip up and unzip?
'Zip up' means to fasten a zip closed, usually by pulling the tab upward, while 'unzip' means to open it. 'Zip up' is also used more loosely to mean fastening a jacket, bag, or other item that has a zip.
