clipper

noun

clip·​per ˈkli-pər How to pronounce clipper (audio)
Synonyms of clippernext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Another clipper on Friday morning has a better shot to throw some light snow to the metro. Chris Shaffer, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025 This cold blast will follow a midweek clipper storm, which is expected to spread snow from the northern part of the Plains to the Midwest and the interior Northeast, AccuWeather reported. Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Dec. 2025 What To Know The clipper storm dumped several inches of snow on Minneapolis, Wisconsin, parts of North Dakota, and the Great Lakes overnight on Tuesday and into Wednesday morning. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025 In Wisconsin, clipper systems from Canada have also been steadily bringing 1 to 3 inches of snow to the state every few days. Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 9 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clipper

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clipper was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clipper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clipper. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

clipper

noun
clip·​per ˈklip-ər How to pronounce clipper (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on clipper

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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