clipper

[ klip-er ]

noun

1. a person or thing that clips clip or cuts.
2. Often clippers. (often used with a plural verb) a cutting tool, especially shears:

   hedge clippers.

3. Usually clippers. (usually used with a plural verb) a mechanical or electric tool for cutting hair, fingernails, or the like:

   He told the barber, “No clippers on the sides, please.”

4. Nautical. Also called clipper ship. a sailing ship built and rigged for speed, especially a type of three-masted ship with a fast hull form and a lofty rig, built in the U.S. from c1845, and in Great Britain from a later date, until c1870, and used in trades in which speed was more important than cargo capacity.
5. Electronics. a device that gives output only for an input above or below a certain critical value.
6. a person or thing that moves along swiftly.

clipper

/ ˈklɪpə /

noun

1. any fast sailing ship
2. a person or thing that cuts or clips
3. something, such as a horse or sled, that moves quickly
4. electronics another word for limiter

Other Words From

• un·clip·per noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clipper¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; clip ¹, -er ¹

Example Sentences

A stunned crowd of 74,065 in Yankee Stadium fell silent while DiMaggio kicked the dirt between first and second base in frustration, a rare on-field show of emotion for the Yankee Clipper.

From Los Angeles Times

Once it reaches its destination, the Europa Clipper will examine the Jupiter's moon Europa.

From Salon

The Clipper is the end result of a $5.2 billion project that began in 2013.

From Salon

A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket got the Clipper off-Earth, separating from the spacecraft an hour after launch.

From Salon

The Clipper is expected to end its 1.8 million-mile journey in April 2030, when it will enter Jupiter's orbit.

From Salon