noun
Uncommon
clippers
KLIHPZ
Clippers (noun) means a hand or electric tool with blades used for cutting hair, nails, or hedges. Example: “He borrowed his dad's clippers to trim his own hair.”
noun
1
A hand or electric tool with blades used for cutting hair, nails, or hedges.
"He borrowed his dad's clippers to trim his own hair."
"The barber switched on the clippers and began shaving the sides of his head."
"Please pass me the garden clippers so I can tidy this hedge."
How to use clippers
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA cutting tool, usually used in the plural like "scissors."
Common pairings
hair clippers
nail clippers
hedge clippers
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He borrowed his dad's _____ to trim his own hair.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “clippers” mean?
The word “clippers” means a hand or electric tool with blades used for cutting hair, nails, or hedges. In plain terms, a cutting tool, usually used in the plural like "scissors.".
How do you pronounce “clippers”?
“Clippers” is pronounced KLIHPZ (/ˈklɪpɚz/ in IPA).
How do you use “clippers” in a sentence?
Here is “clippers” used in a sentence: “He borrowed his dad's clippers to trim his own hair.”
What part of speech is “clippers”?
“Clippers” is a noun.
Is “clippers” a common word?
“Clippers” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "clippers" and "scissors"?
"Clippers" typically use a squeezing or mechanical cutting action between two blades to trim material like hair, nails, or hedges, often in short, repeated snips, while "scissors" use two pivoting blades for continuous cutting along a line. Clippers are usually associated with trimming close to a surface.
Is "clippers" always used in the plural form?
Yes, like "scissors" or "pliers," "clippers" refers to a single tool made of two blade parts, so it's grammatically treated as a plural noun, as in "these clippers are sharp," not "this clipper is sharp."
What is the difference between "hair clippers" and "nail clippers"?
Both are types of "clippers," a tool used for cutting, but "hair clippers" are typically electric devices designed to trim hair close to the scalp, while "nail clippers" are small, usually hand-operated tools designed to trim fingernails or toenails.
