nappy

[ nap-ee ]

/ ˈnæp i /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR nappy ON THESAURUS.COM

noun Chiefly Scot.

liquor, especially ale.

Nearby words

napoli, nappa, nappe, napper, napping, nappy, nappy rash, naprapathy, naproxen, napster, naptime

Origin of nappy

First recorded in 1425–75, nappy is from the late Middle English word noppi. See nap², -y¹

Definition for nappy (2 of 4)

nappy

or nap·pie

[ nap-ee ]

/ ˈnæp i /

noun, plural nap·pies.

a small shallow dish, usually round and often of glass, with a flat bottom and sloping sides, for serving food.

Origin of nappy

1870–75, Americanism; nap (Middle English; Old English hnæp bowl) + -y²

Definition for nappy (3 of 4)

nappy

[ nap-ee ]

/ ˈnæp i /

adjective, nap·pi·er, nap·pi·est.

covered with nap; downy.

(of hair) kinky.

Origin of nappy

First recorded in 1490–1500; nap² + -y¹

Related forms

nap·pi·ness, noun

Definition for nappy (4 of 4)

nappy

⁴

[ nap-ee ]

/ ˈnæp i /

noun, plural nap·pies. Chiefly British.

a diaper.

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. 2019

Examples from the Web for nappy

Three and half days after his birth/death, I undressed my son, changed his nappy, bathed him, and dressed him in an outfit.
Daily Beast Readers React to YouTube Stillborn Baby Memorials|Brandy Zadrozny|November 12, 2013|DAILY BEAST
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.
Practice Makes Perfect: Uncle Harry Changes A Baby's Diaper|Tom Sykes|April 25, 2013|DAILY BEAST
A nappy change prompted high security alert on a recent United Airlines flight from DC to San Francisco.
The National-Security Diaper Scramble|Philip Shishkin|April 25, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Slugger and Nappy were sent to a detention camp in the South; and that for the time being was the last the Rovers heard of them.
The Rover Boys Under Canvas|Arthur M. Winfield

And down there she met Nappy Martell quite a few times, and they became well acquainted.
The Rover Boys at Colby Hall|Arthur M. Winfield
Nappy Martell left the Hall by a rear door, and the Rovers followed.
The Rover Boys at Colby Hall|Arthur M. Winfield
Frankie took to the ropes to make Nappy shorten his punches.
Vital Ingredient|Gerald Vance
In front of the fire sat Nappy Martell with the old lumberman's treasure box on his lap.
The Rover Boys on Snowshoe Island|Edward Stratemeyer

British Dictionary definitions for nappy (1 of 2)

nappy

/ (ˈnæpɪ) /

noun plural -pies

British a piece of soft material, esp towelling or a disposable material, wrapped around a baby in order to absorb its urine and excrementAlso called: napkin US and Canadian name: diaper

Word Origin for nappy

C20: changed from napkin

British Dictionary definitions for nappy (2 of 2)

nappy

/ (ˈnæpɪ) /

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

noun

any strong alcoholic drink, esp heady beer

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