snip

[snip]

verb (used with object)

snipped, snipping 

1. to cut with a small, quick stroke, or a succession of such strokes, with scissors or the like.

2. to remove or cut off (something) by or as by cutting in this manner.

   to snip a rose.

verb (used without object)

snipped, snipping 

1. to cut with small, quick strokes.

noun

1. the act of snipping, as with scissors.

2. a small cut made by snipping.

3. a small piece snipped off.

4. a small piece, bit, or amount of anything.

   a snip of food.

5. Informal.,  a small or insignificant person.

6. Informal.,  a presumptuous or impertinent person.

7. snips, small, strong hand shears used by sheet metal workers.

8. British Informal.,  a bargain.

snip

/ snɪp /

verb

1. to cut or clip with a small quick stroke or a succession of small quick strokes, esp with scissors or shears

noun

1. the act of snipping

2. the sound of scissors or shears closing

3. Also called: snipping. a small piece of anything, esp one that has been snipped off

4. a small cut made by snipping

5. an informal word for bargain

6. informal,  something easily done; cinch

7. informal,  a small or insignificant person or thing, esp an irritating or insolent one

interjection

1. (often reiterated) a representation of the sound of scissors or shears closing

Other Word Forms

• unsnipped adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of snip¹

1550–60; origin uncertain; compare Dutch, Low German snippen to snip, catch, clip

Word History and Origins

Origin of snip¹

C16: from Low German, Dutch snippen; related to Middle High German snipfen to snap the fingers

Example Sentences

While it has been directed with careful attention to shaping its emotional arc by Tim Jackson, “Two Strangers” might have amplified its charms with a few snips of the scissors.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“It rather puts me in mind of Dr. Westminster and his dancing chickens,” Penelope thought as she snipped a loose thread with her teeth.

Read more on Literature

They snipped and chopped in time to the music.

Read more on Literature

Instead of trying to pick though New Zealand's defence, he twice dropped into the pocket and landed smart drop-goals inside three minutes, snipping the lead to a single point by the break.

Read more on BBC

Calder, the top flight's chief growth officer, is the man snipping the competition's name to simply 'the Prem' for next season.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• shear 
• shred