nipping

[ nip-ing ]

adjective

1. sharp or biting, as cold.
2. sarcastic; caustic.

nipping

/ ˈnɪpɪŋ /

adjective

1. sharp and biting

   a nipping wind

2. sarcastic; bitter

Derived Forms

• ˈnippingly, adverb

Other Words From

• nipping·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of nipping¹

First recorded in 1540–50; nip ¹ + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Biden was at his peak back then and probably would have beaten Trump, nipping his political career in the bud.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dodgers will need all the manpower they can get to fend off the pesky Padres and Diamondbacks, who are nipping at their heels.

From Los Angeles Times

I feared that time would be lost forever but you, sir, assisted me and others with reclaiming it by nipping the host’s pointless attempt to engage you in an empty, meaningless argument.

From Salon

I wake up to Cocoa nipping my ear.

From Literature

There’s only so much nipping at your heels you can really indulge.

From Los Angeles Times