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.

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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

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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

Explanation

To snip is to cut with short, quick strokes, the way you'd snip your bangs in the mirror, or snip off a loose thread hanging from your jacket. A gardener snips dead blooms from a plant so new ones can grow, and a dog groomer carefully snips the hair covering your terrier's face so she can see where she's going. Snip is also a noun: "I saved a snip of the baby's hair to put in your scrapbook." The noun came first, initially meaning "a small piece of cut out cloth." In the 16th century, it was also a common nickname for a tailor.

Example Sentences

They are quick to snip losses and quick to take profits.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 10, 2025

The £8.5m paid to Djurgarden in February 2024 - before loaning him back to the Swedish club for the rest of the season - already looks a snip.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2025

Artichoke Potato Salad, on the other hand, is ladies luncheon, serve in a pretty bowl, snip some fresh dill, bring on the flavor, bring on the texture, pizzaz-y potato salad.

From Salon • May 9, 2024

Jack unsheathes a set of wooden chopsticks, breaking them apart with a clean snip.

From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day

Related Words

• shear
• shred