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nipper

American  
[nip-er] / ˈnɪp ər /

noun

  1. a person or thing that nips.

  2. Usually nippers a device for nipping, as pincers or forceps.

  3. one of the two large claws of a crustacean.

  4. Metalworking. Usually a device on a drawbench for drawing the work through the die.

  5. Older Slang. nippers, handcuffs.

  6. Informal.

    1. a small boy.

    2. Chiefly British. a costermonger's helper or assistant.

  7. Nautical. a short rope for seizing an anchor cable to a messenger from a capstan.


nipper British  
/ ˈnɪpə /

noun

  1. a person or thing that nips

  2. the large pincer-like claw of a lobster, crab, or similar crustacean

  3. informal a small child

  4. a type of small prawn used as bait

"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

Etymology

Origin of nipper

First recorded in 1525–35; nip 1 + -er 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When they were back at the same ground six years later to the day on Monday, a nipper of a third Test against India to win, the pace bowler did not realise the significance.

From BBC • Jul. 15, 2025

My family recently got a new puppy, a strong-willed and mouthy but ultimately lovable little nipper.

From Washington Post • Oct. 25, 2021

Then she snipped away part of the hoof wall with a nipper.

From Washington Times • Feb. 20, 2015

Didn't you take some persuading to get into rugby when you were a nipper?

From The Guardian • Mar. 4, 2011

“By George, I’ll have to think seriously about sending that nipper to school,” he added, as the boy, having said good-night, went out of the room.

From The Triumph of Hilary Blachland by Mitford, Bertram