hip

1 of 6

noun (1)

ˈhip 

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

: hip joint

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)

: rose hip

hip

5 of 6

verb

hipped; hipping

transitive verb

: to make aware : tell, inform

hip

6 of 6

noun (3)

: hipness

Synonyms of hip

Adjective

• fashionable
• stylish
• happening
• chic

Verb

• inform
• tell
• advise
• brief

Noun (3)

• fashionableness
• style
• hipness
• elegance
• coolness
• cool
• trendiness

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

Noun

They were being forced to carry the load because LeBron James (right hip contusion and left foot arthritis) and backup centers Jaxson Hayes (back soreness) and Maxi Kleber (back) were all out with injuries. —Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026

Smart, who has been the cornerstone of the Lakers’ defensive operation in recent weeks, is doubtful for Thursday’s game against the Bulls with a right hip contusion. —Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 11 Mar. 2026

Adjective

Performing at the celebration were hip hop artist AY Young and artist MiMi Nichole. —Anna Alejo, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026

After debuting a striking bob at Paris Fashion Week last month, Demi Moore has revived her signature hip-length tresses. —Hannah Malach, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026

Verb

Laureano narrowed his stance to hip length for a quicker, more direct path to the ball with less head movement. —Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2026

Drive your right knee upward to hip height, then switch legs quickly one after the other while keeping your core tight. —Jakob Roze, Health, 31 Dec. 2025

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

Phrases Containing hip

• hip and thigh
• hip bone
• hip boot
• hip flask
• hip-hop
• hip-hop dance
• hip-hopper
• hip-huggers
• hip joint
• hip pointer
• hip roof
• hip-shooting
• hip to
• joined at the hip
• rose hip
• shoot from the hip

Rhymes for hip

• blip
• chip
• clip
• dip
• drip
• flip
• grip
• grippe
• ip
• kip
• lip
• nip

Kids Definition

hip

1 of 3 noun

ˈhip 

: rose hip

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

: wise entry 2 sense 2, alert

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

ˈhip 

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

: hip joint