snip

[ snip ]

verb (used with object)

, snipped, snip·ping.

1. to cut with a small, quick stroke, or a succession of such strokes, with scissors or the like.
2. to remove or cut off (something) by or as by cutting in this manner:

   to snip a rose.

verb (used without object)

, snipped, snip·ping.

1. to cut with small, quick strokes.

noun

1. the act of snipping, as with scissors.
2. a small cut made by snipping.
3. a small piece snipped off.
4. a small piece, bit, or amount of anything:

   a snip of food.

5. Informal. a small or insignificant person.
6. Informal. a presumptuous or impertinent person.
7. snips, small, strong hand shears used by sheet metal workers.
8. British Informal. a bargain.

snip

/ snɪp /

verb

1. to cut or clip with a small quick stroke or a succession of small quick strokes, esp with scissors or shears

noun

1. the act of snipping
2. the sound of scissors or shears closing
3. Also calledsnipping a small piece of anything, esp one that has been snipped off
4. a small cut made by snipping
5. an informal word for bargain
6. informal.
   something easily done; cinch
7. informal.
   a small or insignificant person or thing, esp an irritating or insolent one

interjection

1. often reiterated a representation of the sound of scissors or shears closing

Other Words From

• un·snipped adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of snip¹

1550–60; origin uncertain; compare Dutch, Low German snippen to snip, catch, clip

Word History and Origins

Origin of snip¹

C16: from Low German, Dutch snippen; related to Middle High German snipfen to snap the fingers

Example Sentences

When the tag’s snipped off, he’s delighted, and leaves quickly after exchanging a few words with Karen Lee, the director of the Community Corrections Command.

From BBC

Artichoke Potato Salad, on the other hand, is ladies luncheon, serve in a pretty bowl, snip some fresh dill, bring on the flavor, bring on the texture, pizzaz-y potato salad.

From Salon

“If disrupting a trial was illegal, I’d add it to the list,” Elder Evergreen snips.

From Literature

The thieves came in the middle of the night with wire cutters, snipping through the fence and trampling through a brush of stinging nettle.

From Los Angeles Times

To help regrow coral, branches of healthy coral must be snipped off and replanted somewhere else.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• shear
• shred