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. 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 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

---

Other Word Forms

• zipperless adjective

Etymology

Origin of zipper

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

Example Sentences

Dressed in an auburn zipper sweater, he said not a word, expertly tilting his head this way, that way, profile, straight-ahead.

From Los Angeles Times

I’m not entirely sure how to take that, so we ride in silence for a couple blocks as I fiddle with my backpack’s zipper pulls.

From Literature

Among the new nonnegotiables: fleece vests instead of jackets and elastic waistbands instead of “hard pants,” i.e., anything with a zipper.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From Literature

She grabs a zipper and spool of thread.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• connection
• link