nipper

[ nip-er ]

noun

1. a person or thing that nips.
2. Usually nippers. a device for nipping, as pincers or forceps.
3. one of the two large claws of a crustacean.
4. Usually . Metalworking. a device on a drawbench for drawing the work through the die.
5. nippers, Older Slang. handcuffs.
6. Informal.
   1. a small boy.
   2. Chiefly British. a costermonger's helper or assistant.
7. Nautical. a short rope for seizing an anchor cable to a messenger from a capstan.

nipper

/ ˈnɪpə /

noun

1. a person or thing that nips
2. the large pincer-like claw of a lobster, crab, or similar crustacean
3. informal.
   a small child
4. a type of small prawn used as bait

Word History and Origins

Origin of nipper¹

First recorded in 1525–35; nip ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Yes, they were nippers rather than thrashings, but England lost three times in the 2019 group stage before ending the tournament in glory.

From BBC

Some “nippers” crawled into crannies to chip away the coal.

From Literature

Thousands of nippers ages 5 to 14 invade Australia’s beaches from October through March to race on the sand, swim deep into the ocean and practice using rescue boards.

From New York Times

My family recently got a new puppy, a strong-willed and mouthy but ultimately lovable little nipper.

From Washington Post

“Use a cuticle nipper. Tweezerman makes a great one called the Rockhard. And cut. Don’t pull it. Tearing the tissue underneath could potentially become a hangnail.”

From Los Angeles Times