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

This bag from Away has a code lock that latches onto the zippers, preventing everyone but you and security from getting in. — Joel Balsam, Travel + Leisure, 20 Sep. 2026

Transfer the ricotta mixture to a piping bag or a small plastic, zipper bag with one corner cut off, or simply use a small spoon to dollop the ricotta onto these bites. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026

Verb

The best storage system to prevent yellowing is 100 percent cotton zippered cubes or hanging bags. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 July 2026

Plus, there's an elegance to it because its closure is buttoned and not zippered. — Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 29 June 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