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

Today buzzes like the electric clippers in Kraus's tattooed hand. —John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 8 Apr. 2024

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. —Ew Staff Updated, EW.com, 18 Mar. 2024

Florida considering overhaul of child labor laws 02:17 The company, which operates in about 30 states and employs more than 600 workers, allegedly used minors to clean kill floor equipment like head splitters, jaw pullers, meat bandsaws and neck clippers, the DOL said. —Kate Gibson, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2024

Within a decade, the clippers had been largely eclipsed by steamships in global trade. —Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2024

The company, which operates in about 30 states and employs more than 600 workers, allegedly used minors to clean kill floor equipment like head splitters, jaw pullers, meat bandsaws and neck clippers, the DOL said. —Kate Gibson, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2024

The exterior pocket, strategically placed for easy access, proves handy for stowing sharp items like razors and nail clippers, while a zippered middle pouch is perfect for a toothbrush and toothpaste. —Austa Somvichian-Clausen, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2024

With the tea race, the core technology itself—the clipper ship—was short-lived. —Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2024

Using a hair clipper, Meyers shaves an inch-long strip of one of Xochi’s legs and inserts a small IV line. —Justin Wm. Moyer, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clipper

• Alberta clipper
• clipper system

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