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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of nipper

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

Example Sentences

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