clipper

noun

clip·​per ˈkli-pər 

1

: one that clips something

2

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

—usually used in 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

If Julie was being decapitated by hedge clippers, Shad was cueing her when to start screaming. —Literary Hub, 13 Mar. 2026

Many properties also keep makeup wipes, shower caps, nail clippers, tweezers, and feminine hygiene products on hand. —Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2026

Use clean, sharp hand clippers, loppers, or pruning saws to make smooth cuts. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026

Temps won't fall much Thursday night either, with clouds returning ahead of another clipper passing north of the metro. —Joseph Dames, CBS News, 26 Feb. 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