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

There are more clipper systems in the forecast on Monday and Wednesday of next week, which are expected to produce widespread but generally light snowfall totals. —David Yeomans, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026

Morning glory and sweet pea seeds, for example, germinate best when nicked with a nail clipper, just enough to break the seed coat so moisture can enter more easily. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Jan. 2026

In the teaser video, which dropped on Monday, Fieri looked reluctant as the buzzing of clippers slowly approached his chin. —Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026

There are also weaker, clipper systems. —ABC News, 21 Jan. 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