fillip

American  

[fil-uhp] / ˈfɪl əp /

noun

1. an act or instance of striking something with the nail of a finger snapped from the end of a thumb; a smart tap or stroke.

2. anything that tends to rouse, excite, or revive; a stimulus.

   Praise is an excellent fillip for waning ambition.

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verb (used with object)

1. to strike with a fillip.

2. to tap or strike smartly.

3. to drive by or as by a fillip.

   Anticipation filliped his passion.

verb (used without object)

1. to make a fillip with the fingers.

fillip British  

/ ˈfɪlɪp /

noun

1. something that adds stimulation or enjoyment

2. the action of holding a finger towards the palm with the thumb and suddenly releasing it outwards to produce a snapping sound

3. a quick blow or tap made by a finger snapped in this way

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verb

1. (tr) to stimulate or excite

2. (tr) to strike or project sharply with a fillip

3. (intr) to make a fillip

Etymology

Origin of fillip

First recorded in 1525–35; late Middle English filip, fylippe, philippe “to make a signal or sound with thumb and right forefinger”; expressive word of uncertain origin

Explanation

A fillip is something that boosts, promotes, or energizes. Giving away one free candy bar with every dozen purchased might give a fillip to your candy-selling business. When economies or markets get a fillip, they move or grow in a positive direction, and if your confidence gets a fillip after you get a good grade, it's a boost to your morale. An older, now obsolete meaning of fillip was "a flick of the finger," sort of a soft snap, and as a verb, "to flip something with the fingers" or "to snap."

Example Sentences

The price of gold rose early Wednesday, as falling oil prices linked to hopes of a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran eased concerns around inflation—a fillip for the yellow metal.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

It was a fillip for Welsford after a torrid 2025 with Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe before switching teams to Ineos Grenadiers this season.

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

While that would be a nice fillip for the new Mekies-led Red Bull, it would not be an indication that their problems were behind them.

From BBC • Jul. 23, 2025

The drop in yields has been a fillip for non-yielding gold which stood at $2,000 an ounce and near its October peak of $2,009.29.

From Reuters • Nov. 27, 2023

They lived mostly on these things made from stale bread, and condensed milk and coffee, onions, potatoes, and always the penny’s worth of something bought at the last minute, added for fillip.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith