zipper

[zip-er]

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. zip.

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.

verb (used with or without object)

1. zip.

zipper

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• zipperless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of zipper¹

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

Example Sentences

Once the bandages finally came off, he had a scar that looked like a zipper that ran from the back of his head to the bottom of his neck.

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Instead, it stocked up to 65 jacket designs, with asymmetrical necklines, embroidered lapels, zippers running vertically from hip to nip, accented with strips of leather, you name it.

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She grabs a zipper and spool of thread.

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It’s falling apart — there are holes in the fabric, and the zipper has been broken forever.

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But Chinese factories rely entirely on local sources for everything, from fabric to zippers and buttons.

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Related Words

• connection 
• link