nipping

adjective

nip·​ping ˈni-piŋ How to pronounce nipping (audio)
Synonyms of nippingnext
: sharp, chilling
nippingly adverb

Synonyms

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Examples of nipping in a Sentence

a group of campers waking up to the nipping air of a Rocky Mountain morning better wear a windbreaker if you're going sailing in this nipping wind
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Supra's sharp handling and responsive powertrains, however, mean its happier nipping apexes than long highway slogs. — Drew Dorian, Car and Driver, 21 June 2023 But recent editorials in The People’s Daily—the Chinese Communist Party’s flagship publication—continued to call on China’s population to stick with its approach of staying vigilant and nipping outbreaks in the bud. — Sha Hua, WSJ, 18 Nov. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nipping was in 1547

Rhymes for nipping

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Browse Nearby Words

nipping
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Cite this Entry

“Nipping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nipping. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nipping

Nglish: Translation of nipping for Spanish Speakers

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