clipper

noun

clip·​per ˈkli-pər How to pronounce clipper (audio)
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 Florida considering overhaul of child labor laws 02:17 The company, which operates in about 30 states and employs more than 600 workers, allegedly used minors to clean kill floor equipment like head splitters, jaw pullers, meat bandsaws and neck clippers, the DOL said. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2024 The exterior pocket, strategically placed for easy access, proves handy for stowing sharp items like razors and nail clippers, while a zippered middle pouch is perfect for a toothbrush and toothpaste. Austa Somvichian-Clausen, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2024 With the tea race, the core technology itself—the clipper ship—was short-lived. Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2024 Using a hair clipper, Meyers shaves an inch-long strip of one of Xochi’s legs and inserts a small IV line. Justin Wm. Moyer, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024 The sauropod's jaw looks almost like a large nail clipper, with large rows of hundreds of teeth on its upper and lower jaws. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 22 Feb. 2024 Charleston broke out clippers to shave Allen’s locks nearly a dozen times in the second half of Oakland’s home game against Cleveland State University, which shot 8-for-12 from the free throw line during that stretch. Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 6 Feb. 2024 Friday’s clipper took an ideal track to maximize snowfall across the region, as shown in the image below. Jeff Halverson, Washington Post, 20 Jan. 2024 This luxury grooming kit includes 16 stainless steel grooming tools, including various nail clippers, tweezers, nail files, scissors, and more. Jessica Comstock, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clipper.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clipper was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near clipper

Cite this Entry

“Clipper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clipper. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

clipper

noun
clip·​per ˈklip-ər How to pronounce clipper (audio)
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
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!