English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

noun

kipper

KIH-puh

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Kipper (noun) means a herring (or similar fish) that has been split open, salted, and smoked. Example: “He had kippers and toast for breakfast.”

noun

1

A herring (or similar fish) that has been split open, salted, and smoked.

"He had kippers and toast for breakfast."

verb

1

To preserve fish by splitting, salting, and smoking it.

"The fishermen kippered their catch to sell at market."

How to use kipper

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA smoked, salted fish (usually herring), especially eaten for breakfast in Britain.

Common pairings

smoked kipper kippers for breakfast

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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

Plural: kippers
Third person singular: kippers
Past tense: kippered
Comparative: more kipper
Superlative: most kipper

Test yourself on “kipper” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He had _____ and toast for breakfast.

Etymology

From Old English "cypera," referring to a male salmon after spawning, possibly linked to the reddish color of the fish at that stage.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

kippered herring

Rhymes for kipper

zipper nipper tipper ripper dipper flipper skipper slipper chipper clipper stripper

See all rhymes for kipper →

Frequently asked questions

What does “kipper” mean?

The word “kipper” means a herring (or similar fish) that has been split open, salted, and smoked. In plain terms, a smoked, salted fish (usually herring), especially eaten for breakfast in Britain.

How do you pronounce “kipper”?

“Kipper” is pronounced KIH-puh (/ˈkɪpə(ɹ)/ in IPA).

How do you use “kipper” in a sentence?

Here is “kipper” used in a sentence: “He had kippers and toast for breakfast.”

What part of speech is “kipper”?

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

Where does the word “kipper” come from?

The word “kipper” comes from Old English. From Old English "cypera," referring to a male salmon after spawning, possibly linked to the reddish color of the fish at that stage.

How many meanings does “kipper” have?

“Kipper” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a herring (or similar fish) that has been split open, salted, and smoked.