clipper
Clipper (noun) means a fast sailing ship with a long, narrow hull, built for speed in the 19th century. Example: “The tea clipper raced across the ocean to deliver its cargo first.”
How to use clipper
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA fast sailing ship, or a cutting tool such as hair clippers.
Word forms
clippered past tense, clippers plural, Clippers plural, clippers singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The tea _____ raced across the ocean to deliver its cargo first.
Etymology
From clip ("cut" or "move fast") plus -er — the sailing ship sense likely comes from "clip" meaning to move at a rapid pace.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for clipper
See all rhymes for clipper →Frequently asked questions
What does “clipper” mean?
The word “clipper” means a fast sailing ship with a long, narrow hull, built for speed in the 19th century. In plain terms, a fast sailing ship, or a cutting tool such as hair clippers.
How do you pronounce “clipper”?
“Clipper” is pronounced KLIHP-uh (/ˈklɪp.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “clipper” in a sentence?
Here is “clipper” used in a sentence: “The tea clipper raced across the ocean to deliver its cargo first.”
What part of speech is “clipper”?
“Clipper” is a noun.
How many meanings does “clipper” have?
“Clipper” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a fast sailing ship with a long, narrow hull, built for speed in the 19th century.