chip
Chip (noun) means a small piece broken off a larger object, or the mark left where it broke off. Example: “There's a chip in the rim of this mug.”
How to Use Chip
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small broken-off piece, a tiny computer circuit, a fried potato slice, or (as a verb) to break off a small piece or to pitch in.
In British English "chips" usually means thick-cut fried potatoes (US "fries"), while US "chips" means what British English calls "crisps".
Word Forms
chipped past tense, chipped past tense, chips plural, CHiPs plural, chips singular, chips singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
There's a _____ in the rim of this mug.
Etymology
From Old English ċipp, meaning a small piece of wood or shaving, related to a Germanic root for cutting or chopping.
Related Words
Rhymes for chip
See all rhymes for chip →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “chip” mean?
The word “chip” means a small piece broken off a larger object, or the mark left where it broke off. In plain terms, a small broken-off piece, a tiny computer circuit, a fried potato slice, or (as a verb) to break off a small piece or to pitch in.
How do you pronounce “chip”?
“Chip” is pronounced chihp (/t͡ʃɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “chip” in a sentence?
Here is “chip” used in a sentence: “There's a chip in the rim of this mug.”
What part of speech is “chip”?
Depending on how it is used, “chip” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “chip” come from?
The word “chip” comes from Old English. From Old English ċipp, meaning a small piece of wood or shaving, related to a Germanic root for cutting or chopping.
Is “chip” a common word?
“Chip” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “chip” have?
“Chip” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small piece broken off a larger object, or the mark left where it broke off.
What is the difference between a 'chip' and a 'crisp'?
In British English, a thin fried slice of potato is called a 'crisp,' while a 'chip' is a thick fried baton of potato (called a 'fry' in American English). In American English, that same thin fried slice is called a 'chip,' which is a frequent source of confusion between the two dialects.
What is the difference between a 'chip' and a 'microchip'?
Both a 'chip' and a 'microchip' refer to a tiny electronic circuit built onto a small piece of material such as silicon. 'Chip' is the everyday shortened term, while 'microchip' emphasises how extremely small the circuit is.