Definition of quip
1a : a clever usually taunting remark : gibeb : a witty or funny observation or response usually made on the spur of the moment
2 : quibble, equivocation
3 : something strange, droll, curious, or eccentric : oddity
From the M-W Editors
quip was our Word of the Day on 08/09/2013. Hear the podcast!
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Examples of quip in a Sentence
They traded quips over a beer.
has his share of the quips that seem to come with a title of nobility
Did You Know?
Quip is an abbreviation of "quippy," a noun that is no longer in use. Etymologists believe that "quippy" derived from the Latin quippe, a word meaning "indeed" or "to be sure" that was often used ironically. The earliest sense of "quip," referring to a cutting or sarcastic remark, was common for approximately a century after it first appeared in print in 1532. It then fell out of use until the beginning of the 19th century, when it underwent a revival that continues to the present day.
Origin and Etymology of quip
earlier quippy, perhaps from Latin quippe indeed, to be sure (often ironic), from quid what — more at quiddity
First Known Use: 1532
quip
Definition of quip
quipped
;quipping
Examples of quip in a Sentence
she rolled her eyes at her brother's bragging and quipped, “You're a legend in your own mind, all right”
1579
First Known Use of quip
1579
QUIP Defined for English Language Learners
quip
Definition of quip for English Language Learners
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: to make (a clever remark)
Learn More about quip
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See words that rhyme with quip Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for quip Spanish Central: Translation of quip Nglish: Translation of quip for Spanish speakers
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