blip

American  

[blip] / blɪp /

noun

1. Also called pip.  Electronics.

   1. a spot of light on a radar screen indicating the position of a plane, submarine, or other object.

   2. (loosely) any small spot of light on a display screen.

2. a brief upturn, as in revenue or income.

   The midwinter blip was no cause for optimism among store owners.

3. anything small, as in amount or number.

   a blip of light; Those opposed were merely a blip in the opinion polls.

4. bleep.

5. Slang. a nickel; five cents.

6. Movies. a mark of synchronization on a sound track.

7. a small or brief interruption, as in the continuity of a motion-picture film or the supply of light or electricity.

   There were blips in the TV film where the commercials had been edited out.

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verb (used without object)

blipped, blipping

1. Informal. to move or proceed in short, irregular, jerking movements.

   The stock market has blipped one point higher this week.

verb (used with object)

blipped, blipping

1. bleep.

blip British  

/ blɪp /

noun

1. a repetitive sound, such as that produced by an electronic device, by dripping water, etc

2. Also called: pip.  the spot of light or a sharply peaked pulse on a radar screen indicating the position of an object

3. a temporary irregularity recorded in performance of something

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verb

1. (intr) to produce such a noise

Etymology

Origin of blip

1890–95, for an earlier sense; sound symbolism, with p for brevity and abrupt end of the impulse; bl- perhaps from blink

Example Sentences

The title would have stayed in Strange's hands if not for the Blip.

From Salon • Sep. 10, 2022

In the main MCU continuity, Maria died during the five-year Blip after helping to create S.W.O.R.D. and is the mother of Monica Rambeau.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2022

“Last night, it was a lapse. Which is worse? Blip or lapse?”

From Washington Post • Oct. 12, 2021

I noticed all those references to the Blip.

From Slate • Sep. 2, 2021

In the eight years since he founded Blip Toys, Mr. Nichols has had enough success with novelty items that he can get meetings with Target, Toys “R” Us and Wal-Mart.

From New York Times • Nov. 24, 2010

Related Words

• glitch