English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

verb

bagpipe

BAG-pyp

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Bagpipe (verb) means to play the bagpipes. Example: “A lone piper stood on the hillside, bagpiping a slow lament.”

verb

1

To play the bagpipes.

"A lone piper stood on the hillside, bagpiping a slow lament."

noun

1

Informal name for a British Rail Class 33/1 diesel locomotive, so called because of the looping cables fitted at both ends for push-pull working.

"Railway enthusiasts nicknamed the modified locomotives "bagpipes" because of their distinctive jumper cables."

How to use bagpipe

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMost commonly used as a verb meaning to play the bagpipes; also a railway nickname for a specific type of British locomotive.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Third person singular: bagpipes
Past tense: bagpiped

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Railway enthusiasts nicknamed the modified locomotives "_____" because of their distinctive jumper cables.

Etymology

The locomotive sense comes from the resemblance of the subclass's dangling jumper cables to the pipes of a bagpipe.

Rhymes for bagpipe

pipe wipe ripe gripe stipe snipe swipe tripe recipe stripe Felipe asswipe

See all rhymes for bagpipe →

Frequently asked questions

What does “bagpipe” mean?

The word “bagpipe” means to play the bagpipes. In plain terms, most commonly used as a verb meaning to play the bagpipes; also a railway nickname for a specific type of British locomotive.

How do you pronounce “bagpipe”?

“Bagpipe” is pronounced BAG-pyp (/ˈbæɡˌpaɪp/ in IPA).

How do you use “bagpipe” in a sentence?

Here is “bagpipe” used in a sentence: “Railway enthusiasts nicknamed the modified locomotives "bagpipes" because of their distinctive jumper cables.”

What part of speech is “bagpipe”?

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

How many meanings does “bagpipe” have?

“Bagpipe” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to play the bagpipes.