gallinipper

noun

gal·​li·​nip·​per ˈga-lə-ˌni-pər How to pronounce gallinipper (audio)
chiefly Southern US and Midland US
: any of various insects (such as a large mosquito or crane fly)

Word History

Etymology

earlier gurnipper, gal-knipper, of obscure origin

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gallinipper was in 1709

Dictionary Entries Near gallinipper

Cite this Entry

“Gallinipper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gallinipper. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!