nip and tuck

adjective or adverb

: being so close that the lead or advantage shifts rapidly from one opponent to another

Examples of nip and tuck in a Sentence

the race was nip and tuck to the very end, with the judges needing to look at photos of the finish three times
Recent Examples on the Web Owings Mills ended Sparrow’s Point’s three-year reign as Baltimore County wrestling tournament champion as the Eagles survived a nip and tuck struggle until the end, winning the title over the runner-up Pointers, 175-160, at Perry Hall. Craig J. Clary, Baltimore Sun, 20 Feb. 2024 The game was nip and tuck until the 4:15 mark of the second quarter when Taliyah Parker hit a three pointer to start the 12-0 run. Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Mar. 2024 After all, what good is watching a sad woman with a warped sense of self nip and tuck her face and body into oblivion if the results aren't compared and judged before a national audience? 18 of 19 Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire? Ew Staff Updated, EW.com, 29 Nov. 2023 These women are either very happy or have discovered the healing powers of a discreet nip and tuck. Roxanne Roberts, Washington Post, 29 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for nip and tuck 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nip and tuck.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nip and tuck was in 1832

Dictionary Entries Near nip and tuck

Cite this Entry

“Nip and tuck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nip%20and%20tuck. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

nip and tuck

adjective or adverb
: so close that the advantage shifts rapidly from one contestant to another
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