nippy

[nip-ee]

adjective

nippier, nippiest 

1. chilly or cold.

   morning air that feels a bit nippy.

2. sharp or biting; tangy.

   This cheese has a good, nippy taste.

3. Chiefly British Informal.,  nimble; agile.

nippy

/ ˈnɪpɪ /

adjective

1. (of weather) chilly, keen, or frosty

2. informal

   1. quick; nimble; active

   2. (of a motor vehicle) small and relatively powerful

3. (of the taste of food) biting, sharp, or pungent

4. (of a dog) inclined to bite

Other Word Forms

• nippiness noun
• nippily adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of nippy¹

First recorded in 1565–75; nip ¹ + -y ¹

Example Sentences

The cabin was heated, which was truly welcome on the nippy day, but it didn’t stop us from jumping out whenever possible.

From Salon

Too many of United's attacking players are the nippy variety, who find it easier to operate in small spaces.

From BBC

On a recent trip to Japan, the press minibus wasn't the nippiest, its engine squealing to keep up with the slick Mercedes of the prime minister a dozen or so vehicles ahead.

From BBC

Schiff’s rally, held on a nippy, mostly overcast morning, marked the start of a two-week statewide tour, with stops to include San Diego, Sacramento, Fresno and San Francisco.

From Washington Times

Biden promised to keep things short, acknowledging the nippy day by saying, “Nobody likes it when their turkey gets cold.”

From Washington Post