zipper

[ zip-er ]

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 ².

zipper

/ ˈzɪpə /

noun

1. 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 Also called (in Britain and certain other countries)zip

Other Words From

• zipper·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of zipper¹

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

Example Sentences

“I got so little playing time at Oregon,” he joked, “the zipper on my warm-up jacket rusted shut.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I was able to be in the fittings and say, ‘OK, I’m gonna have a big hairstyle, so we need to have a zipper.

From Los Angeles Times

The bag also has a zipper, another key feature, to ensure nothing falls out while you’re shopping.

From Los Angeles Times

Then she added a zipper to one of her linen towels, and Ambrosia Produce Bags was born.

From Los Angeles Times

But the structure of his 70-minute performance, which opened the Monday Evening Concert’s 85th season at the Colburn School’s Zipper Hall last month in downtown L.A., was more awkward.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• connection
• link