noun Uncommon

zipper

ZIH-puh

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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.”

noun

A fastener made of two rows of interlocking teeth joined and separated by a sliding tab; the same thing as a zip.

"The zipper on her boot jammed halfway up."

"He replaced the broken zipper on his backpack."

verb

To fasten or close something with a zipper.

"Zipper the tent flap before it starts raining."

How to use zipper

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe sliding fastener used on clothing, bags, and similar items; mainly the American English term (British English favours "zip").

UK vs US

American English generally says "zipper"; British English generally says "zip."

Common pairings

zipper pull stuck zipper

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: zippers
Third person singular: zippers
Past tense: zippered

Test yourself on “zipper” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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.

· First attested 1925

Class of 1925 zipper joined the language around 1925.

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Synonyms

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zip slide fastener zip fastener

Antonyms

unzip

Related words

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Rhymes for zipper

nipper tipper ripper kipper dipper flipper skipper slipper chipper clipper stripper

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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