noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

zip

zihp

Zip (noun) means a fastener made of two rows of interlocking teeth pulled together by a sliding tab; also called a zipper. Example: “The zip on his jacket got stuck halfway up.”

noun

A fastener made of two rows of interlocking teeth pulled together by a sliding tab; also called a zipper.

"The zip on his jacket got stuck halfway up."

Nothing at all; zero.

"We asked for a refund and got zip."

Energy or liveliness.

"That coffee gave me some zip this morning."

verb

To fasten something with a zip.

"Zip up your coat, it is freezing outside."

To compress one or more computer files into a single, smaller file.

"Zip the folder before you email it, the files are too big otherwise."

To move very fast, especially with a brief whooshing or high-pitched sound.

"The go-kart zipped around the last bend."

How to use zip

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDepending on context: a sliding fastener, moving very fast, having zero of something, or compressing a computer file.

Common mistake

As slang for "nothing," zip is informal — use "nothing" or "zero" in formal writing.

Common pairings

zip up zip a file zip past zip code

Word forms

zipped past tense, zips plural, ZIPs plural, Zips plural, ZIPs plural, zips singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ on his jacket got stuck halfway up.

Etymology

An imitative word coined to mimic the quick, sharp sound of something moving rapidly.

Synonyms

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zipper zero nil nought pep zest

Related words

nothing none plus zero pole enthusiasm appetite spice

Frequently asked questions

What does “zip” mean?

The word “zip” means a fastener made of two rows of interlocking teeth pulled together by a sliding tab; also called a zipper. In plain terms, depending on context: a sliding fastener, moving very fast, having zero of something, or compressing a computer file.

How do you pronounce “zip”?

“Zip” is pronounced zihp (/zɪp/ in IPA).

How do you use “zip” in a sentence?

Here is “zip” used in a sentence: “The zip on his jacket got stuck halfway up.”

What part of speech is “zip”?

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

Is “zip” a common word?

“Zip” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “zip” have?

“Zip” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a fastener made of two rows of interlocking teeth pulled together by a sliding tab; also called a zipper.

What is the difference between zip and zipper?

They refer to the same fastener made of two rows of interlocking teeth pulled together by a sliding tab. 'Zip' is the usual term in British English, while 'zipper' is standard in American English.

What is the difference between zip up and unzip?

'Zip up' means to fasten a zip closed, usually by pulling the tab upward, while 'unzip' means to open it. 'Zip up' is also used more loosely to mean fastening a jacket, bag, or other item that has a zip.

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Words that end with P Words that start with Z

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nothing none plus zero pole enthusiasm appetite spice