zipper

American  

[zip-er] / ˈzɪp ər /

noun

1. Also called slide fastener.  a device used for fastening clothing, valises, etc., consisting of two toothed tracks or spiral metal or plastic coils, each bordering one of two edges to be joined, and a piece that either interlocks or separates them when pulled.

2. a person or thing that zips.

3. a rubber and fabric boot or overshoe fastened up the leg by a zipper.

4. a large illuminated display of news bulletins or advertisements that rapidly and continously flash by on an upper part of a building.

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verb (used with or without object)

1. zip.

zipper British  

/ ˈzɪpə /

noun

1. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): zip.  a fastening device operating by means of two parallel rows of metal or plastic teeth on either side of a closure that are interlocked by a sliding tab

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Other Word Forms

• zipperless
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of zipper

1920–25, formerly a trademark; see zip ¹, -er ¹

Explanation

A zipper is a sliding fastener. You'll get cold and wet if you don't zip the zipper on your coat during a blizzard. Zippers are usually made of metal or plastic teeth that fit together as you slide a tab along them. It's common to have a zipper on your coat, jeans, or dress instead of snaps or buttons. Suitcases and sleeping bags are usually closed with zippers too. The zipper was invented in 1917, but it was initially called a "zip." At the time, a zipper was a particular type of boot that zipped closed.

Example Sentences

One possible answer is the use of so-called "zipper materials."

From Science Daily • May 9, 2026

Throw it in a little plastic zipper baggie.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 13, 2025

Williams rode shotgun, his bug hooked onto the zipper of his backpack.

From Salon • Jan. 7, 2025

The bag also has a zipper, another key feature, to ensure nothing falls out while you’re shopping.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2024

I stuffed my belongings into a bag, fingers shaking so hard I couldn’t zipper the top.

From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago

Related Words

• connection
• link