nipping

[ nip-ing ]

adjective

1. sharp or biting, as cold.
2. sarcastic; caustic.

nipping

/ ˈnɪpɪŋ /

adjective

1. sharp and biting

   a nipping wind

2. sarcastic; bitter

Derived Forms

• ˈnippingly, adverb

Other Words From

• nipping·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of nipping¹

First recorded in 1540–50; nip ¹ + -ing ²

Example Sentences

It is your best shot at nipping any future wedding invites (and accompanying airfare to Missouri) in the bud.

From The Daily Beast

“She kept nipping at my socks and pulling them down,” he said.

From The Daily Beast

While Michael Jackson had younger sister Janet nipping at his heels with Grammy Awards and gold records, Whitney stood alone.

From The Daily Beast

This source and others pointed to the site JustJared as nipping at Hilton's heels as a music industry influencer.

From The Daily Beast

Heading into the fourth day of competition, upstart Wall Street Journal was nipping at the heels of the Gray Lady.

From The Daily Beast

So they held the prisoner fast, and led him to the brooklet, nipping his throat tightly to choke an outcry.

From Project Gutenberg

Streaks of gray haze rose a foot or two into the nipping air, and the clash of shovels had a new, harsh ring.

From Project Gutenberg

Mayo braved nipping wind and iced rigging and took the glass to the main crosstrees.

From Project Gutenberg

We'd find their tracks and places where they'd been nipping off the ends of branches and twigs, and follow them up.

From Project Gutenberg

And while he slept, a nipping wind from the far, northern Highlands swooped down on the mist and sent it flying out to sea.

From Project Gutenberg