nipple

[nip-uhl]

noun

1. a protuberance of the mamma or breast where, in the female, the milk ducts discharge; teat.

2. something resembling it, as the mouthpiece of a nursing bottle or pacifier.

3. a short piece of pipe with threads on each end, used for joining valves.

nipple

/ ˈnɪpəl /

noun

1. Also called: mamilla.  papilla.  teat. the small conical projection in the centre of the areola of each breast, which in women contains the outlet of the milk ducts

2. something resembling a nipple in shape or function

3. Also called: grease nipple. a small drilled bush, usually screwed into a bearing, through which grease is introduced

4. an informal word for dummy

nipple

1. A small projection near the center of the mammary gland. In females, the nipple contains the outlets of the milk ducts.

Other Word Forms

• nippleless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nipple¹

1520–30; earlier neble, nib ( b ) le, nepil; perhaps akin to nib; compare Danish nip point; -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of nipple¹

C16: from earlier neble, nible, perhaps from _neb , _nib

Example Sentences

I think it stops right at the nipple.

From Los Angeles Times

She concluded by wishing him: "Happy birthday, nipple."

From BBC

The idea of freeing the nipple "isn't just about exposure - it's a movement towards body positivity and challenging conventional fashion norms", she argues.

From BBC

"I heard that ITV were complaining about my nipples," she said from the podium.

From BBC

Her sensual cabaret, Le Razzle Dazzle, is a classic, bawdy show on the Las Vegas Strip, the kind that requires work and passion as much as it necessitates the cheeky flash of a nipple.

From Salon

Related Words

• bosom 
• chest 

When To Use

What is a nipple?

A nipple is the part of the breast that sticks out at the center of the areola in mammals, as in Dogs have different numbers of nipples depending on size and breed. Nipple can also refer to something that resembles this body part, such as the end of a baby’s bottle or pacifier, as in Joe carefully put the nipple back on the baby’s bottle after filling it with milk. Example: The department store purchased a dozen mannequins that did not have nipples on their breasts.