zipper
Zipper (noun) means a fastener made of two rows of interlocking teeth joined and separated by a sliding tab; the same thing as a zip. Example: “The zipper on her boot jammed halfway up.”
How to use zipper
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe sliding fastener used on clothing, bags, and similar items; mainly the American English term (British English favours "zip").
American English generally says "zipper"; British English generally says "zip."
Word forms
zippered past tense, zippers plural, zippers singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ on her boot jammed halfway up.
Etymology
From zip plus -er. The name was originally a 1925 trademark registered by B.F. Goodrich for rubber-and-fabric boots, and later became a generic word for the fastener itself.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for zipper
See all rhymes for zipper →Frequently asked questions
What does “zipper” mean?
The word “zipper” means a fastener made of two rows of interlocking teeth joined and separated by a sliding tab; the same thing as a zip. In plain terms, the sliding fastener used on clothing, bags, and similar items; mainly the American English term (British English favours "zip").
How do you pronounce “zipper”?
“Zipper” is pronounced ZIH-puh (/ˈzɪpɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “zipper” in a sentence?
Here is “zipper” used in a sentence: “The zipper on her boot jammed halfway up.”
What is another word for “zipper”?
Words with a similar meaning to “zipper” include slide fastener, zip and zip fastener.
What part of speech is “zipper”?
Depending on how it is used, “zipper” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “zipper” come from?
The word “zipper” dates back to around 1925. From zip plus -er. The name was originally a 1925 trademark registered by B.F. Goodrich for rubber-and-fabric boots, and later became a generic word for the fastener itself.
Is “zipper” a common word?
“Zipper” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “zipper” have?
“Zipper” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a fastener made of two rows of interlocking teeth joined and separated by a sliding tab; the same thing as a zip.
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