hip

1 of 6

noun (1)

1
a
: the laterally projecting region of each side of the lower or posterior part of the mammalian trunk formed by the lateral parts of the pelvis and upper part of the femur together with the fleshy parts covering them
b
2
: the external angle formed by the meeting of two sloping sides of a roof that have their wall plates running in different directions

hip

2 of 6

adjective

hipper; hippest
1
a
: having or showing awareness of or involvement in the newest developments or styles
b
: very fashionable : trendy
2
: aware or appreciative of something
used with to
got hip to their plan
hiply adverb

hip

3 of 6

interjection

used in a cheer
hip hip hooray

hip

4 of 6

noun (2)

hip

5 of 6

verb

hipped; hipping

transitive verb

: to make aware : tell, inform

hip

6 of 6

noun (3)

Examples of hip in a Sentence

Adjective He tried to learn about the latest bands so he could impress his hip new college friends. She knows how to get into all of the hippest clubs and restaurants. Verb if you want to get hipped on what goes on behind the scenes at a television network, you should read this book Noun (3) kids dyeing their hair in pursuit of hip
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.
Noun
Cherki is unique but plays with a blend of Samir Nasri’s swivel hips and Dimitri Payet’s ball striking. Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025 What begins as a casual conversation about the weather and aching hips gradually deepens into an unexpected friendship – and perhaps something more. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
Move into a plank position, aligning your shoulders to your wrists and keeping your feet hip-width apart. Leoni Jesner, Health, 1 Nov. 2025 Speaking of which, the neighborhood—considered one of Chicago’s hippest—is a cultural hub with renowned restaurants, funky cafes and trendy bars. Gabriela Ulloa, Architectural Digest, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
The brand is already gearing up for its 2026 installation, which will take place November 1-6—an extended version to keep up with its growing demand for this special event that truly honors hip hop music and culture. Essence, 4 Nov. 2025 Someone hip enough to relate to kids, young enough to evolve, confident enough to delegate and stubborn enough to chase championships. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hip

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English hype; akin to Old High German huf hip

Adjective

alteration of hep entry 2

Interjection

origin unknown

Noun (2)

Middle English hipe, from Old English hēope; akin to Old High German hiafo hip

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Interjection

1811, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1932, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hip was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hip. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

hip

1 of 3 noun

hip

2 of 3 noun
: the part of the body that curves outward below the waist on each side and is formed by the side part of the pelvis and the upper part of the thigh
hipped
ˈhipt
adjective

hip

3 of 3 adjective
hipper; hippest
1
: keenly aware of or interested in the newest developments
2
Etymology

Noun

Old English hēope "fruit of a rose"

Noun

Old English hype "hip of the body"

Adjective

an altered form of hep "keenly aware of and interested in the newest developments"; of unknown origin

Medical Definition

hip

noun
1
: the laterally projecting region of each side of the lower or posterior part of the mammalian trunk formed by the lateral parts of the pelvis and upper part of the femur together with the fleshy parts covering them
2

More from Merriam-Webster on hip

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