nip: Meaning and Definition of

nip

Pronunciation: (nip), [key]
— v., n. nipped, nip•ping,
—v.t.
  1. to squeeze or compress tightly between two surfaces or points; pinch; bite.
  2. to take off by pinching, biting, or snipping (usually fol. by off&hasp;): He nipped off a piece of steak and gave it to the dog.
  3. to check in growth or development.
  4. to affect sharply and painfully or injuriously, as a very cold temperature: a cold wind that nips the fingers.
  5. to snatch away suddenly.
  6. to defeat (an opponent) by a very close margin; edge.
  7. to steal or pilfer.
    1. (of ice) to press (a ship) from opposite sides.
    2. to seize (a taut rope) to another rope.
—v.i.
  1. to leave stealthily; sneak away; flee (often fol. by away).
  2. See (def. 6).
—n.
  1. an act of nipping; a pinch or small bite: The dog took several nips at our heels.
  2. a biting quality, as in cold or frosty air: There's a nip in the air this morning.
  3. sharp cold; a sharp touch of frost: The trees had felt the first nip of winter.
  4. a sharp or biting remark.
  5. a biting taste or tang, esp. in some cheese.
  6. a small bit or quantity of anything: a nip of bread to stave off hunger.
    1. an abrupt turn or twist in a rope.
    2. a part of a rope or chain bound by a seizing or nipper.
  7. Usually,nipper (def. 2).
  8. with each competitor equaling or closely contesting the speed, scoring, or efforts of the other: It was nip and tuck as to which sailboat would reach port first.

nip

Pronunciation: (nip), [key]
— n., v., nipped, nip•ping.
—n.
  1. a small drink of alcoholic liquor; sip: a person who relishes an occasional nip.
  2. split (def. 29).
—v.t., v.i.
  1. to drink (alcoholic liquor) in small sips, esp. repeatedly.

Nip

Pronunciation: (nip), [key]
— n., adj. Slang (disparaging and offensive)
  1. Japanese.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
See also:
  • nip (Thesaurus)