nipple

noun

nip·​ple ˈni-pəl 

1

: the protuberance of a mammary gland upon which in the female the lactiferous ducts open and from which milk is drawn

2

a

: an artificial teat through which a bottle-fed infant nurses

b

: a device with an orifice through which the discharge of a liquid can be regulated

3

a

: a protuberance resembling or suggesting the nipple of a breast

b

: a small projection through which oil or grease is injected into machinery

4

: a pipe coupling consisting of a short piece of threaded tubing

nippled

ˈni-pəld 

adjective

Examples of nipple in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Eligibility depends on the size and shape of the natural breast, the location of the nipple-areola complex and the cancer’s proximity to the nipple. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 30 July 2026

More scientifically referred to as retrograde duct flow, this is the mechanism by which breastfeeding babies shoot spit into the nipple of whomever is nursing them. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 29 July 2026

Possible symptoms of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) include new breast lumps, skin dryness or dimpling, and nipple changes. — Carrie Madormo, Health, 27 July 2026

Freitas has embraced Mugler’s penchant for provocation and powerful femininity, bringing back linebacker shoulders and styles like the nipple-ring dress worn by Chappell Roan at this year’s Grammys. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 23 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

earlier neble, nible, probably diminutive of neb, nib

First Known Use

circa 1510, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for nipple

• cripple
• ripple
• stipple
• tipple
• triple
• participle

Kids Definition

nipple

noun

nip·​ple ˈnip-əl 

1

: the small protruding part of the gland that in females produces milk and from which a baby or young mammal sucks milk

2

: something resembling a nipple

especially : the mouthpiece of a bottle from which an infant feeds

Medical Definition

nipple

noun

nip·​ple ˈnip-əl 

1

: the protuberance of a mammary gland upon which in the female the lactiferous ducts open and from which milk is drawn

2

a

: an artificial teat through which a bottle-fed infant nurses

b

: a device with an orifice through which the discharge of a liquid can be regulated