noun
blip
blihp
Blip (noun) means a small, brief signal or dot, such as one seen on a radar screen. Example: “A single blip appeared on the radar and then vanished.”
noun
1
A small, brief signal or dot, such as one seen on a radar screen.
"A single blip appeared on the radar and then vanished."
2
A minor, temporary change that departs from the normal pattern.
"Analysts called the drop in sales a temporary blip, not a trend."
"It was just a blip in an otherwise steady recovery."
verb
1
To briefly rev an engine, especially when changing gear.
"The driver blipped the throttle on the downshift into the corner."
How to use blip
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small, short-lived signal or irregularity — often used to downplay a change as temporary and not significant.
Common pairings
a blip on the radar
just a blip
a temporary blip
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Word forms
- Plural
- blips
- Third person singular
- blips
- Past tense
- blipped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A single _____ appeared on the radar and then vanished.
Etymology
An imitative (onomatopoeic) word, mimicking the short electronic beep of the sound or signal it describes.
Synonyms
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pip
radar target
Related words
Rhymes for blip
See all rhymes for blip →Frequently asked questions
What does “blip” mean?
The word “blip” means a small, brief signal or dot, such as one seen on a radar screen. In plain terms, a small, short-lived signal or irregularity — often used to downplay a change as temporary and not significant.
How do you pronounce “blip”?
“Blip” is pronounced blihp (/blɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “blip” in a sentence?
Here is “blip” used in a sentence: “A single blip appeared on the radar and then vanished.”
What part of speech is “blip”?
Depending on how it is used, “blip” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “blip” have?
“Blip” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small, brief signal or dot, such as one seen on a radar screen.
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