snip

American  

[snip] / snɪp /

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 British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of snip

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

Example Sentences

"But if we can do gene therapy that doesn't involve snipping DNA strands, then we avoid these potential pitfalls."

From Science Daily

Your brain snipped out and inserted details without your conscious knowledge.

From Los Angeles Times

And it’s not just groceries that snip away at her Social Security check.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From 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.

From Literature

Related Words

• shear
• shred