nipple

noun

nip·​ple ˈni-pəl How to pronounce nipple (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of nipple in a Sentence

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.
You’re supposed to put on a sports bra, and then insert the sizers, aligning the nipples with your own. Dory Zayas, Allure, 29 Aug. 2025 The boy mom also shared her top practical items, like Silverette nipple cups and Momcozy's M5 Pumps, as well as important items for the baby, like Coterie's wipes and diapers, a Bumpsuit baby carrier and Weleda diaper cream. Kayla Grant, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025 Common issues include challenges with the baby latching onto your nipple, sore nipples, low milk supply, thrush, plugged milk ducts, inflammation of the breast (mastitis), and inverted nipples. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 27 Aug. 2025 Mummies are usually kept under wraps, but Brendan Fraser recently recalled that his The Mummy costar John Hannah's nipples were right out in the open for a hungry horse to munch on during production of the 1999 blockbuster. EW.com, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nipple

Word History

Etymology

earlier neble, nible, probably diminutive of neb, nib

First Known Use

circa 1510, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nipple was circa 1510

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nipple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nipple. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

nipple

noun
nip·​ple ˈnip-əl How to pronounce nipple (audio)
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 How to pronounce nipple (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on nipple

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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