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: “She struggled with the zip at the back of her dress.”
noun
1
A fastener made of two rows of interlocking teeth pulled together by a sliding tab; also called a zipper.
"She struggled with the zip at the back of her dress."
"The zip on my rucksack broke, so everything fell out."
"The zip on his jacket got stuck halfway up."
2
Nothing at all; zero.
"After all that training, we scored zip in the final match."
"He knows absolutely zip about cars, so do not ask him."
"We asked for a refund and got zip."
3
Energy or liveliness.
"The new manager brought some real zip to the tired team."
"I had no zip left after that long afternoon meeting."
"That coffee gave me some zip this morning."
verb
1
To fasten something with a zip.
"He zipped his sleeping bag right up to his chin."
"Can you zip me up, please? I cannot reach the back."
"Zip up your coat, it is freezing outside."
2
To compress one or more computer files into a single, smaller file.
"I zipped all the holiday photos so they would upload faster."
"You can zip several documents into one file and attach it."
"Zip the folder before you email it, the files are too big otherwise."
3
To move very fast, especially with a brief whooshing or high-pitched sound.
"Cyclists zipped past us along the canal path this morning."
"A tiny hummingbird zipped from flower to flower in the garden."
"The go-kart zipped around the last bend."
How to use zip
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- zips
- Third person singular
- zips
- Past tense
- zipped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She struggled with the _____ at the back of her dress.
Etymology
An imitative word coined to mimic the quick, sharp sound of something moving rapidly.
Synonyms
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Related words
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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