cypher

American  

[sahy-fer] / ˈsaɪ fər /

noun

1. Chiefly British. a variant of cipher.

2. Also cipher

   1. a performance by a group of rappers, hip-hop artists, or break dancers who take turns improvising individual verses, dances, etc.

      The show ended with a freestyle cypher featuring the rappers from the headliner and the two opening acts.

   2. an individual verse, dance, etc., that is part of such a performance.

      She rose to stardom when her cypher that dissed two other male artists went viral.

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cypher British  

/ ˈsaɪfə /

noun

1. a variant spelling of cipher

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Etymology

Origin of cypher

First recorded in 1995–2000

Example Sentences

At the BET Hip-Hop Awards cypher, a gathering of rap artists exchanging lyrics competitively, Lamar refuted Drake's previous assertions of friendships.

From Salon • May 7, 2024

As well as the government website, King Charles' cypher can be found on official documents and some clothing.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2024

But repeat viewings of “The Zone of Interest,” which was awarded the Grand Prix at Cannes, reveal the precision Friedel brings to the role of a prideful cypher defined by his social standing.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 29, 2023

The medal - made of nickel silver - will feature the royal cypher on one side and images of the King and Queen Consort on the other.

From BBC • May 4, 2023

She knew her mathematics to the Rule of Three, but whether she could cypher into fractions, I had no idea.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck