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
Bans only is certain areas The amendment, proposed in February, does not aim to ban the sale of single-serve beers, malt liquor or minis (also known as nips, shooters, shots or airplane bottles) across the entire city. Eric Adler march 29, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2026 Such terrible deprivations the newcomers to our land must endure while guzzling nips, smoking weed and driving the wrong way on our interstate highways. Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026 By the time George Dobson’s delivery reaches the six-yard box, Cleworth has broken free and nips in front of a flat-footed zonal defender, rising highest to guide the ball past the goalkeeper. Thom Harris, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026 Dozens of people testified in support of the bill, which would have allowed a town’s legislative body to ban the sale of nips. Sasha Allen, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2026 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
Verb
But the teacher nips the conversation in the bud, redirecting everyone’s attention to the lesson of the day. Boaz Dvir, The Conversation, 14 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nips
Verb
  • The Echo Spot shaves it down even further to a half-sphere and adds a handy little touch screen for visual information.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Perhaps this shaves off sharp edges around any conversation.
    Simon Hughes, New York Times, 11 Mar. 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
  • Deed theft is essentially when someone steals a house, often forging the paperwork, and data obtained by CBS News New York shows a 240% increase in complaints to the New York Attorney General's Office from 2023 to 2025.
    Tim McNicholas, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The team leader also has a lot of support from sophomore forward Sarah Strong, who leads UConn in points, rebounds, blocks, and steals.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Another friend rushes to join the hug.
    Mica Rosenberg, ProPublica, 24 Mar. 2026
  • And out rushes a blazingly cathartic torrent of honesty and horror.
    Sibani Ram, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But the core allegation cuts deeper than fees.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The vote, on a proposal that requires a driver’s license or comparable ID to cast a ballot in federal elections, represents the latest attempt by Republicans to divide Democrats on a subject that cuts decidedly in their favor.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Sure, the sequence largely swipes away hints given prior that Bowser was an absent father, but in a film where most of the characters veer toward the blandly nice, watching a dad and his son bond over their same sociopathic tendencies was the only moment that tugged at the heartstrings.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Proponents said the change will help businesses better absorb the transaction fees that credit card companies are allowed to charge each time someone swipes their credit card.
    Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoman, 19 Feb. 2026
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
  • Joe Rodon clips a pass over the top of the Brentford defence for Calvert-Lewin to contest.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nips.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nips. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on nips

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster