zipper

1 of 2

noun

zip·​per ˈzi-pər 

: a fastener consisting of two rows of metal or plastic teeth on strips of tape and a sliding piece that closes an opening by drawing the teeth together

zipper

2 of 2

verb

zippered; zippering; zippers

transitive verb

: zip entry 5

Examples of zipper in a Sentence

Noun

The zipper was stuck and we couldn't open the suitcase.

Can you help him with his zipper?

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In place of unreliable zippers that can snag or break easily, this hardshell suitcase uses secure, convenient latches. —Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026

The astronauts also passed a standard pressure check of their SpaceX suits after discovering a partially open zipper on one of pilot Jack Hathaway's gloves. —Josh Dinner, Space.com, 14 Feb. 2026

Verb

This WanderFull crossbody purse features a soft, plush fabric, convenient zippered-pockets for optimal storage, and that iconic water bottle-cradling interior. —Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 15 Feb. 2026

Four teenagers were in the same car, headed to a video arcade to jimmy open the coin boxes, which is why two of them had screwdrivers zippered up in their coat pockets. —Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 1 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

from Zipper, a trademark

First Known Use

Noun

1924, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1927, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for zipper

• chipper
• clipper
• dipper
• flipper
• gripper
• kipper
• nipper
• ripper
• shipper
• skipper
• slipper
• stripper

Kids Definition

zipper

noun

zip·​per

ˈzip-ər

: a fastener consisting of two rows of metal or plastic teeth on strips of tape and a sliding piece that closes an opening by drawing the teeth together

zippered

-ərd

adjective

Etymology

Noun

from Zipper, a former trademark