nippy

[ nip-ee ]

adjective

, nip·pi·er, nip·pi·est.

1. chilly or cold:

   morning air that feels a bit nippy.

2. sharp or biting; tangy:

   This cheese has a good, nippy taste.

3. Chiefly British Informal. nimble; agile.

nippy

/ ˈnɪpɪ /

adjective

1. (of weather) chilly, keen, or frosty
2. informal.
   1. quick; nimble; active
   2. (of a motor vehicle) small and relatively powerful
3. (of the taste of food) biting, sharp, or pungent
4. (of a dog) inclined to bite

Derived Forms

• ˈnippiness, noun
• ˈnippily, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of nippy¹

First recorded in 1565–75; nip ¹ + -y ¹

Example Sentences

On a recent trip to Japan, the press minibus wasn't the nippiest, its engine squealing to keep up with the slick Mercedes of the prime minister a dozen or so vehicles ahead.

From BBC

Schiff’s rally, held on a nippy, mostly overcast morning, marked the start of a two-week statewide tour, with stops to include San Diego, Sacramento, Fresno and San Francisco.

From Washington Times

Biden promised to keep things short, acknowledging the nippy day by saying, “Nobody likes it when their turkey gets cold.”

From Washington Post

It's nippy in the mornings and doesn't get above 60 on some days, and only rarely brushes against 70.

From Salon

Randall put some zip on the ball from the base and also asked questions with his nippy running game vs Italy, but few predicted a selection from the off in a match such as this.

From The Guardian