# clip /ˈkɫɪp/ (US) · /klˈɪp/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clip Updated: 2026-06-19 ## Senses ### 1. a fastener noun · CEFR A2 a small object used to hold things together, like paper or hair. For teachers: a device for gripping or attaching one object to another, typically by mechanical pressure. - She used a silver clip to keep her hair out of her eyes while she worked. - The engineer suggested using a heavy-duty spring clip to secure the cables against the vibration of the engine. ### 2. a short video noun · CEFR B1 a short part of a film, a TV show, or a video. For teachers: a short sequence or segment taken from a larger motion picture, broadcast, or digital video file. - The news showed a short clip of the president's speech from this morning. - The documentary featured several rare clips of the artist working in her studio during the late 1960s. ### 3. speed noun · CEFR B2 · Informal a fast speed or pace. For teachers: a rapid rate of motion or progression. - The car was moving at a fair clip when it passed us on the highway. - The project is moving along at a steady clip, and we expect to meet the deadline without further delays. ### 4. ammunition noun · CEFR C1 · Technical a metal frame that holds bullets for a gun. For teachers: a device, typically a metal frame, used to hold multiple rounds of ammunition together for loading into a firearm. - The soldier loaded a fresh clip into his rifle before the exercise began. - The historical accuracy of the film was praised, particularly the depiction of soldiers manually loading clips into their vintage bolt-action rifles. ### 5. to fasten verb · CEFR B1 to use a clip to hold things together. For teachers: to fasten or secure an object with a clip or similar gripping device. - He clipped the microphone to his shirt before the interview started. - Please ensure the safety tether is clipped securely to the harness before you begin the climb. ### 6. to cut verb · CEFR B1 to cut something with scissors or shears, often to make it shorter or neater. For teachers: to trim or cut off a portion of something, typically using shears or scissors. - The gardener spent the afternoon clipping the hedge in the front yard. - The editor had to clip several minutes from the final act to ensure the film didn't exceed the two-hour limit. ### 7. to hit verb · CEFR B2 to hit something quickly or lightly while passing by. For teachers: to strike something with a glancing blow or in passing. - The truck clipped the side mirror of the parked car as it drove past. - The cyclist was lucky to stay upright after a passing vehicle clipped his handlebars on the narrow bridge. ### 8. to cheat or steal verb · CEFR C2 · Slang to steal something or to cheat someone out of money. For teachers: to swindle, fleece, or take something stealthily. - He realized too late that the street performer had clipped him for twenty dollars. - The investigation revealed that the accountant had been clipping the company's accounts for years before being caught. ### 9. a hit noun · CEFR B2 · British English · Informal a quick hit with the hand, usually on the head or ear. For teachers: a sharp blow delivered with the hand. - His mother gave him a clip round the ear for being rude to the guests. - In the old days, a schoolteacher might give a student a clip on the head for failing to pay attention in class. ## Examples - She showed me a funny clip from the movie. - The news program played a short clip of the prime minister's speech during the evening broadcast. - While the documentary relied heavily on archival footage, each carefully selected clip served to illustrate the stark contrast between public policy and private reality during that era. --- From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.