nips 1 of 3

Definition of nipsnext
plural of nip

nips

2 of 3

noun (2)

plural of nip
as in sips
the portion of a serving of a beverage that is swallowed at one time give me just a nip of milk to help me swallow this pill

Synonyms & Similar Words

nips

3 of 3

verb

present tense third-person singular of nip
1
as in shaves
to make (something) shorter or smaller with the use of a cutting instrument I'm just going to nip these hedges, and then I'll be done with the work outside

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in pinches
to squeeze tightly between two surfaces, edges, or points the puppy nipped her hand while playing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of nips
Noun
This extra, low-effort step makes guests feel especially welcome, as well as nips any potential musical chairs awkwardness in the bud. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026 While our personal faves are the natural nips, the brand also offers smooth nipple covers. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2025 Her story about not wanting to flash her nips at the then–Prince of Wales is choice. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2025 The flattering wrap twist over the bust nips in at the waist, flowing gently over the tummy area, delivering smooth coverage without sacrificing shape. Jené Luciani Sena May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nips
Verb
  • After consultations with superiors, the jail superintendent has sent for a barber, who shaves the man gently, making sure to clear the fuzz from his earlobes.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
  • In his 1939 version, William Wyler shaves away huge chunks of the story.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Dad pinches my cheek between his first two fingers with a soppy look in his eyes.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Nov. 2025
  • There’s the moment Stanton’s Håkon Werle pinches the back of his son’s neck, like a cruel master bringing his dog to heel.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Anthony may first settle into seasons of roughly 18-22 homers with mid-teens steals before any full breakout, meaning current drafters are paying for future peak production rather than present skills.
    Derek VanRiper, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Continue reading … -- IN OTHER NEWS VICTORY LAP — Tyler Reddick steals Daytona 500 win in wild last-lap shootout.
    , FOXNews.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • What followed were online videos of an officer tackling a student, and many rushes to judgement, including from those criticizing cops for excessive force and demanding accountability.
    Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
  • At one point in the video footage, Curtis can be heard urgently coordinating with officers as water rushes into the car.
    GMA Team, ABC News, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • An entire film of buzzy, chaotic music suddenly cuts away so that these sounds can ring out clearly across the cosmos.
    Alex Galbraith, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Off-site construction reliably cuts construction timelines by 10% to 30%, according to an analysis by the Terner Center.
    Ben Christopher, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Continue reading … DARING DASH – Sneaky feline swipes a free snack — and it's caught on video.
    , FOXNews.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Soon after, a desperate man named Boomba, who witnessed Ma stealing from the shelter, breaks into her home and swipes her food, her phone, and a purse containing her family’s invaluable travel documents.
    Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • After Nessa's crushing death, Glinda (Ariana Grande) hands off her jeweled footwear to Dorothy (Bethany Weaver), who trots down the Yellow Brick Road to meet the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) in the Emerald City.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 21 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The holder clips right to your pack or waders and keeps everything in a neat, easy-to-dispense stack.
    Francesca Krempa, Outside, 23 Dec. 2025
  • The carry handles each have a magnetic piece that then clips together to form a single bar to grasp.
    Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nips.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nips. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on nips

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!