grip

verb

Save Word

\ ˈgrip

gripped; gripping

Definition of grip

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to seize or hold firmly gripped the door handle

2 : to hold the interest of strongly a story that grips the reader

grip

noun

Definition of grip (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : a strong or tenacious grasp had a good grip on the tennis racket

b : strength in gripping

c : manner or style of gripping the balanced grip of an expert golfer

2a : a firm tenacious hold typically giving control, mastery, or understanding has the country in his grip

b : mental grasp can't seem to get a grip [=gain a good understanding of] on calculus … I'm curious to see if preteens have a grip on this fairly sophisticated concept.— John Hoffman

3 : a part or device for gripping

4 : a part by which something is grasped especially : handle

5 : suitcase

6a : a stage worker who handles scenery, properties, or lights : stagehand

b : a technician on a motion-picture or television set who handles and maintains equipment (such as cameras and their dollies and cranes)

Other Words from grip Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about grip

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms for grip

Synonyms: Verb

Synonyms: Noun

Examples of grip in a Sentence

Verb The little boy gripped his mother's hand tightly. I gripped the door handle and pulled as hard as I could. The story really grips the reader. The scandal has gripped the nation. Noun His tennis instructor showed him the proper backhand grip. a golfer with an incorrect grip He has been doing all he can to maintain his grip on the company's finances. I need new grips for my golf clubs.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb All those smarts, of course, belied a physical gift that allowed Manning to play for 18 years, including a comeback from four delicate neck surgeries that left him unable to grip a football at first. — Eddie Pells, Star Tribune, "Game changers: Manning, Woodson, Megatron headed to Hall," 6 Feb. 2021 The emotional exhaustion of this year all seemed to release with my arrival home in Africa, this big-sky country, which never fails to grip my soul. — Deborah Calmeyer, Travel + Leisure, "What It's Like to Travel to Kenya Right Now, According to a Travel Advisor Who Just Went," 23 Dec. 2020 For a much more utilitarian and sturdier Ugg boot, check out this cute shearling bootie from the brand, which has a moto-chic silhouette, a 1-inch heel and a rubber sole to grip slippier conditions. — Courtney Thompson, CNN Underscored, "All your favorite Uggs are now discounted for Black Friday," 25 Nov. 2020 The plane had hit turbulence—the rollicking kind that makes some people cry out, while others grip their armrests tightly, and mutter a prayer to the power of their choice. — Sarah Todd, Quartz, "The mindfulness business is thriving on our anxiety," 17 Jan. 2021 The traditional way of coding a robot to move is to load a machine with assumptions about how the real world works—say, how a foot might grip hardwood floors and carpeting differently—and to give it point-by-point instructions. — Matt Simon, Wired, "Watch a Robot Dog Learn How to Deftly Fend Off a Human," 5 Jan. 2021 Rooting their movements in different parts of the inside or outside edge of the boot allows skaters to grip the floor properly and push off with intention and power. — New York Times, "Meet Bill Butler, the Godfather of Roller Disco," 30 Dec. 2020 The hearing showcased the stark differences in the policymaking that is about to grip Washington. — New York Times, "Yellen Outlines Economic Priorities, and Republicans Draw Battle Lines," 19 Jan. 2021 Sweden is trying to contain a much more serious resurgence of the virus than its top health authorities predicted would grip the country in a second wave. — Rafaela Lindeberg, Bloomberg.com, "Sweden’s Hospitals Now Face Nationwide Staff Shortages: Report," 15 Dec. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The handles have a soft-grip coating and are roomy and comfortable, allowing those with arthritic hands and fingers to manipulate the shears with little pain. — Patricia S York, Southern Living, "Amazon Shoppers Call These Best-Selling Shears a Must-Have for Any Kitchen," 7 Feb. 2021 Credit should be given to a smooth, lightweight trigger pull with a clean break, an ergonomic grip and a low bore axis. — Chris Mudgett, Outdoor Life, "The Best New Handguns For 2021," 25 Jan. 2021 And there's a lot of electoral politics that are coming into play here, especially with Trump's grip on the Republican base, on conservative voters. — NBC News, "Meet the Press - January 3, 2021," 3 Jan. 2021 The Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic was runner-up, with the most grip at 0.99 g on Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, and the lighter than the comparo winner by 115 pounds. — Austin Irwin, Car and Driver, "2020 in Review: Behold the Many Wonders of Michigan," 19 Dec. 2020 The soft-grip handle extends from 33 to 53 inches for extra-long reach. — Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, "5 Top-Rated Snow Brooms to Help You Clear Off Your Car in One Quick Sweep," 17 Dec. 2020 If something happens, particularly with a body-grip trap or snare, time is critical. — Steve Meyer, Anchorage Daily News, "Snare some knowledge about trapping in Alaska and help keep your dog safe out there," 12 Dec. 2020 This device provides a more comfortable, textured controller-like grip and extended playing time due to the detachable 3000mAh power bank that can charge your Qi wireless compatible devices. — Popular Science, "Accessories to boost your mobile gaming experience," 11 Dec. 2020 This tool also has soft-grip handles that lock shut for safe storage and the blades claim to never need sharpening. — Melissa Lee, USA TODAY, "21 things people love on TikTok that are actually worth the money," 4 Dec. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'grip.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.