clipper

noun

clip·​per ˈkli-pər 

1

: one that clips something

2

: an implement for clipping especially hair, fingernails, or toenails

—usually used in plural

3

: something that moves swiftly: such as

a

: a fast sailing ship

especially : one with long slender lines, an overhanging bow, tall masts, and a large sail area

b

or clipper system : a fast-moving, low-pressure weather system : alberta clipper

… but that's just a taste of things to come as that clipper system moves across the Lakes.

—Nick Walker

Examples of clipper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The 10 inmates who broke out of a New Orleans jail in a stunning overnight escape last week used electric hair trimmers with multiple clipper blades to help cut their way through the cell walls, a source with direct knowledge of the investigation told CNN. —Ryan Young, CNN Money, 24 May 2025

Each kit contains 14 essential items, including soap, shampoo, reusable sanitary pads, toothbrushes and toothpaste, nail clippers, towels and water storage containers. —Forbes.com, 20 May 2025

Nail clippers, metal files, cuticle pushers, and other tools are all dishwasher-safe. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 May 2025

At his new prison, inmates can buy their own razors and nail clippers from the canteen. —Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clipper

• Alberta clipper

Rhymes for clipper

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

Kids Definition

clipper

noun

clip·​per ˈklip-ər 

1

: one that clips

2

plural : a device for clipping

hair clippers

3

: a fast sailing ship with usually three tall masts and large square sails