noun
Uncommon
sip
sihp
Sip (noun) means a small amount of a drink taken into the mouth at one time. Example: “She took a sip of her coffee before speaking.”
noun
1
A small amount of a drink taken into the mouth at one time.
"She took a sip of her coffee before speaking."
"The baby made a face after one sip of the lemon juice."
"Just have a sip of my smoothie and tell me what you think."
verb
1
To drink something slowly, taking small amounts at a time.
"A waiter brought his aperitif, which was a small scotch and soda, and as he sipped it gratefully he sighed."
— Margery Allingham (1963)
"bright young things in jeans and T-shirts huddle around laptops, sipping lattes or munching on free food."
— , Revenge of the nerds (2013)
"He sipped his tea while reading the newspaper."
"We sat by the fire and sipped hot chocolate from big mugs."
"Don't gulp the soup, just sip it carefully because it is hot."
How to use sip
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDrinking in small amounts rather than gulping.
Common pairings
take a sip
sip slowly
sip wine
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Word forms
- Plural
- sips
Fill the gap
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She took a _____ of her coffee before speaking.
Etymology
From Middle English sippen, of uncertain origin, possibly related to Old English words for dripping or trickling liquid.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “sip” mean?
The word “sip” means a small amount of a drink taken into the mouth at one time. In plain terms, drinking in small amounts rather than gulping.
How do you pronounce “sip”?
“Sip” is pronounced sihp (/sɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “sip” in a sentence?
Here is “sip” used in a sentence: “She took a sip of her coffee before speaking.”
What part of speech is “sip”?
Depending on how it is used, “sip” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “sip” come from?
The word “sip” comes from Old English. From Middle English sippen, of uncertain origin, possibly related to Old English words for dripping or trickling liquid.
Is “sip” a common word?
“Sip” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sip” have?
“Sip” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small amount of a drink taken into the mouth at one time.
What is the difference between sip and gulp?
A sip is a small amount of drink taken slowly and carefully, while a gulp is a large, quick swallow. Sipping suggests restraint or savoring the drink, whereas gulping suggests speed or thirst.
When would you use sip instead of drink?
Use sip when describing a small, deliberate amount taken slowly, such as tasting a hot beverage or pacing oneself with alcohol. Drink is the general verb for consuming liquid in any quantity or manner.
Can sip be used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes, sip works as a noun for the small amount of liquid taken, as in "a sip of tea," and as a verb for the act of drinking slowly, as in "she sipped her coffee."
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