snip
- to cut with a small, quick stroke, or a succession of such strokes, with scissors or the like.
- to remove or cut off (something) by or as by cutting in this manner: to snip a rose.
- to cut with small, quick strokes.
- the act of snipping, as with scissors.
- a small cut made by snipping.
- a small piece snipped off.
- a small piece, bit, or amount of anything: a snip of food.
- Informal. a small or insignificant person.
- Informal. a presumptuous or impertinent person.
- snips, small, strong hand shears used by sheet metal workers.
- British Informal. a bargain.
Origin of snip
Examples from the Web for snip
Contemporary Examples of snip
We had a little goose that was laying golden eggs, and they told us to snip its head off.
David Lynch on Transcendental Meditation, ‘Twin Peaks,’ and Collaborating With Kanye WestMarlow Stern
October 6, 2014
Historical Examples of snip
And Snip did go at him, as if he would "tear him limb from limb," as the story-books say.
And, to cover his confusion, Pete laughed till the scraas of the roof began to snip.
The ManxmanHall Caine
Then Lucy might tell Caroline to snip off the bloom and give it to her.
Country NeighborsAlice Brown
She spoke hesitatingly, for the sight of Snip and Snap had reminded her of their habits.
Black, White and GrayAmy Walton
“Why, Snip and Snap,” said Maisie eagerly, still holding back.
Black, White and GrayAmy Walton
snip
- to cut or clip with a small quick stroke or a succession of small quick strokes, esp with scissors or shears
- the act of snipping
- the sound of scissors or shears closing
- Also called: snipping a small piece of anything, esp one that has been snipped off
- a small cut made by snipping
- mainly British an informal word for bargain
- informal something easily done; cinch
- US and Canadian informal a small or insignificant person or thing, esp an irritating or insolent one
- (often reiterated) a representation of the sound of scissors or shears closing
Word Origin for snip
Word Origin and History for snip
1550s, "small piece of cut-out cloth," probably from Dutch or Low German snippen "to snip, shred," of imitative origin. Meaning "cut made by scissors" is from 1590s. As a nickname or cant word for a tailor, 1590s. Snip-snap-snorum, the card game, is 1755, from Low German.
"to cut at one light, quick stroke," 1580s, from snip (n.). Related: Snipped; snipping.