clipper

noun

clip·​per ˈkli-pər 

1

: one that clips something

2

: an implement for clipping especially hair, fingernails, or toenails

—usually plural

3

: something that moves swiftly: such as

a

: a fast sailing ship

especially : one with long slender lines, an overhanging bow, tall masts, and a large sail area

b

or clipper system : a fast-moving, low-pressure weather system : alberta clipper

… but that's just a taste of things to come as that clipper system moves across the Lakes.

—Nick Walker

Examples of clipper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These spots require clippers or scissors very close to the skin and are best handled by someone trained in the technique. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 21 Sep. 2026

The spread of the video was aided by clippers, accounts that post hundreds of clips in a single day and are paid by companies to stealthily link these viral moments to their platforms. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

But from former Brazil striker Ronaldo to Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Tadej Pogacar, sport’s biggest names have produced very different results after reaching for the clippers. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

And despite Lily’s attempts to put on a brave face, eventually, every crappy event — from the attempt of her high school boyfriend Scooter to win her back to Marshall’s unfortunate encounter with a pair of clippers — threatened to derail their day. — Erin Strecker, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clipper

• Alberta clipper

Rhymes for clipper

• chipper
• dipper
• flipper
• gripper
• kipper
• nipper
• ripper
• shipper
• skipper
• slipper
• stripper
• tipper

Kids Definition

clipper

noun

clip·​per ˈklip-ər 

1

: one that clips

2

plural : a device for clipping

hair clippers

3

: a fast sailing ship with usually three tall masts and large square sails