snip

[ snip ]

/ snɪp /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR snip ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), snipped, snip·ping.

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.

verb (used without object), snipped, snip·ping.

to cut with small, quick strokes.

noun

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.

Nearby words

snigger, snigging chain, sniggle, sniggler, sniglet, snip, snipe, snipe fly, snipefish, sniper, sniperscope

Origin of snip

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

Related formsun·snipped, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for 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 West|Marlow Stern|October 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Snip an' I'll stay here; an' if we get sleepy, what's to hinder our takin' a nap on the couch?
Aunt Hannah and Seth|James Otis
Would the old mair never whinner joyfully at my appearance, or Snip bark a welcome?
Around the World with Josiah Allen's Wife|Marietta Holley
One imagined things floating in it; even that it might tinkle to the snip of a finger nail, like a crystal rim.
Down the Columbia|Lewis R. Freeman

“Why, Snip and Snap,” said Maisie eagerly, still holding back.
Black, White and Gray|Amy Walton
"If he knows enough to figger it out, or to let Snip have his head," said Curly.
When A Man's A Man|Harold Bell Wright

British Dictionary definitions for snip

snip

/ (snɪp) /

verb snips, snipping or snipped

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

noun

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

interjection

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

Word Origin for snip

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for snip (1 of 2)

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.

Word Origin and History for snip (1 of 2)

snip

"to cut at one light, quick stroke," 1580s, from snip (n.). Related: Snipped; snipping.

snip

verb (used without object), snipped, snip·ping.

noun

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of snip

Examples from the Web for snip

British Dictionary definitions for.css-ylq2vz{color:#1a1a1a;} snip

snip

verb snips, snipping or snipped

noun

interjection

Word Origin for snip

Word Origin and History for snip (1 of 2)

snip

Word Origin and History for snip (1 of 2)

snip

British Dictionary definitions for snip