Examples Word Origin
See more synonyms for nappy on Thesaurus.com Origin of nappy 1 First recorded in
1425–75, nappy is from the
late Middle English word
noppi. See
nap2 ,
-y1 a small shallow dish, usually round and often of glass, with a flat bottom and sloping sides, for serving food. Show More
Origin of nappy 2 1870–75, Americanism ;
nap (
Middle English; Old English hnæp bowl) +
-y2 adjective, nap·pi·er, nap·pi·est. covered with nap ; downy. (of hair) kinky. Show More
Origin of nappy 3 First recorded in
1490–1500; nap2 +
-y1 Related forms nap·pi·ness , noun noun, plural nap·pies. Chiefly British a diaper. Show More
Origin of nappy 4 First recorded in
1925–30; nap(kin) +
-y2 Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for nappy Contemporary Examples of nappy Three and half days after his birth/death, I undressed my son, changed his nappy , bathed him, and dressed him in an outfit.
Prince Harry showed he is still game for a laugh today when he attempted to change the nappy of a baby (doll) with just one hand.
A nappy change prompted high security alert on a recent United Airlines flight from DC to San Francisco.
Historical Examples of nappy Nappy raised his cap and bowed pleasantly, both to her and to May.
"I won't talk to you," retorted Nappy Martell, and tried to pass.
"Maybe we can get into the cabin by a back way," suggested Nappy .
"I'm not going to get mixed up in any gun-play," added Nappy .
"They may have seen Slugger and Nappy , or else they may have some news for us," he said.
British Dictionary definitions for nappy British a piece of soft material, esp towelling or a disposable material, wrapped around a baby in order to absorb its urine and excrement Also called: napkin US and Canadian name: diaper Show More
Word Origin for nappy C20: changed from napkin
adjective -pier or -piest having a nap; downy; fuzzy (of alcoholic drink, esp beer) having a head; frothy strong or heady dialect , mainly British slightly intoxicated; tipsy (of a horse) jumpy or irritable; nervy Show More
any strong alcoholic drink, esp heady beer Show More
Derived Forms nappiness , noun Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for nappy adj. "downy," late 15c., from nap (n.1) + -y (2). Meaning "fuzzy, kinky," used in colloquial or derogatory reference to the hair of black people, is from 1950.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
