nipping

adjective

nip·​ping ˈni-piŋ How to pronounce nipping (audio)
nippingly adverb

Examples of nipping in a Sentence

a group of campers waking up to the nipping air of a Rocky Mountain morning better wear a windbreaker if you're going sailing in this nipping wind
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.
The Supra's sharp handling and responsive powertrains, however, mean its happier nipping apexes than long highway slogs. Drew Dorian, Car and Driver, 21 June 2023 But recent editorials in The People’s Daily—the Chinese Communist Party’s flagship publication—continued to call on China’s population to stick with its approach of staying vigilant and nipping outbreaks in the bud. Sha Hua, WSJ, 18 Nov. 2022 Thanks to a little nipping and tucking, the Nissan Altima receives an attractive facelift for 2023. Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 9 June 2022 Likewise, her rep handled the announcements about the Bidens' rambunctious rescue dog, Major, who's been involved in several nipping incidents and has to undergo off-site behavior training. USA Today, 27 Apr. 2021 The nipping incident comes a few weeks after the dog caused a minor injury to someone else at the White House. Tim Perry, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2021 Prune Your Shrubs With Regal Shears Sculpting boxwoods into bunnies, trimming your David Austin roses or nipping daisies for a pickle-jar vase? Andrew Nelson, WSJ, 27 Mar. 2021 Del Mar extended its current winning streak to a season-best three in a row by first nipping Lincoln and then nudging San Jose 48-46. Dave Mendonca, The Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nipping was in 1547

Dictionary Entries Near nipping

Cite this Entry

“Nipping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nipping. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

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