adj

nippy

NIH-pee

Nippy (adj) means (informal) Uncomfortably cold. Example: “It's a bit nippy out today, so grab a coat.”

adj

(informal) Uncomfortably cold.

"It's a bit nippy out today, so grab a coat."

Quick and agile.

"That little hatchback is surprisingly nippy in city traffic."

How to use nippy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishChilly weather, or something (like a small car) that's quick and easy to maneuver.

When to use it

Casual, everyday British English.

Common pairings

a nippy little car nippy weather

Word forms

nippier comparative, Nippys plural, Nippies plural, nippiest superlative

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It's a bit _____ out today, so grab a coat.

Etymology

From nip + -y, echoing the way cold air "nips" at the skin.

Rhymes for nippy

hippy zippy lippy dippy sippy tippy pippy drippy chippy Skippy trippy snippy

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Frequently asked questions

What does “nippy” mean?

The word “nippy” means (informal) Uncomfortably cold. In plain terms, chilly weather, or something (like a small car) that's quick and easy to maneuver.

How do you pronounce “nippy”?

“Nippy” is pronounced NIH-pee (/ˈnɪpi/ in IPA).

How do you use “nippy” in a sentence?

Here is “nippy” used in a sentence: “It's a bit nippy out today, so grab a coat.”

What part of speech is “nippy”?

“Nippy” is an adjective.

How many meanings does “nippy” have?

“Nippy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: (informal) Uncomfortably cold.