sip

¹

[ sip ]

verb (used with object)

, sipped, sip·ping.

1. to drink (a liquid) a little at a time; take small tastes of:

   He sipped the hot tea noisily.

2. to drink from a little at a time:

   The bird sipped the flower.

3. to take in; absorb:

   to sip knowledge at its source.

verb (used without object)

, sipped, sip·ping.

1. to drink by sips.

noun

1. an instance of sipping; a small taste of a liquid:

   One sip told me that the milk was sour.

2. a small quantity taken by sipping:

   Take just a sip, not a gulp or a swallow.

SIP

²

1. supplemental income plan.

sip

/ sɪp /

verb

1. to drink (a liquid) by taking small mouthfuls; drink gingerly or delicately

noun

1. a small quantity of a liquid taken into the mouth and swallowed
2. an act of sipping

Derived Forms

• ˈsipper, noun

Other Words From

• sipping·ly adverb
• un·sipped adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sip¹

1350–1400; Middle English sippen (v.), akin to Low German sippen to sip

Word History and Origins

Origin of sip¹

C14: probably from Low German sippen

Synonym Study

See drink.

Example Sentences

And with nothing else to do but sip beer, they talked late into the night, occasionally visited by deer that wandered down from the mountains.

From Los Angeles Times

The service ends in the salon, with an “anti-hair loss” treatment and blow-dry as you sip tea and eat sweets.

From Los Angeles Times

Gardner’s arm-waving impression paired with strange stories about McEntire’s hometown of McAlester, Okla., where, “If you think the milk is spoiled, give it another sip.”

From Los Angeles Times

No matter if you're looking to sip on a drink or delve into some comfort food, Stewart's deep, deep catalogue has a slew of options for whatever you're craving.

From Salon

This witchy-themed menu is available now through 2025 with a bar warning that: “Once you take a sip, a spell is said to take over your mind, body and soul!”

From Salon

Related Words

• imbibe
• quaff
• savor