zip

noun

1

: a sudden sharp hissing or sibilant sound

2

: energy, vim

zipless

ˈzip-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms of zip

• energy
• vigor
• juice
• gas
• drive
• pep
• dash
• punch
• life
• bounce
• zing
• beans

Examples of zip in a Sentence

he has surprising zip for a man his age

Recent Examples on the Web

Store unwashed leeks in a produce or zip-top bag or loosely covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026

Inside, there are four slip pockets and a zip pocket, giving you places to stash smaller items and locate them quickly. —Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026

The Long Sleeve Mock Neck Top is the brand's bestseller, an ultra-soft, feather-light, breathable, and cool-to-the-touch flattering quarter-zip style. —ABC News, 6 June 2026

But that’s not the only thing to do—there’s whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River, zip lining in the Smokies, or riding the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. —Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 3 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing zip

• zip code
• zip fastener
• zip file
• zip gun
• zip it
• zip line
• zip one's lip
• zip tie
• zip up

Rhymes for zip

• blip
• chip
• clip
• dip
• drip
• flip
• grip
• grippe
• hip
• ip
• kip
• lip

Kids Definition

zip

1 of 5 verb

ˈzip 

zipped; zipping

1

: to move or act with speed and energy

2

: to travel with a sharp hissing or humming sound

3

: to add energy, interest, or life to

—often used with up

zip

2 of 5 noun

1

: a sudden sharp hissing sound

2

: vim, energy

zip

3 of 5 verb

zipped; zipping

: to close or open with a zipper

zip

4 of 5 noun

: zero entry 1 sense 1

won the game 7–zip

zip

5 of 5 noun

often capitalized Z&I&P

: zip code

Etymology

a word created to imitate the sound of an object speeding past

from zipper

origin unknown