Word
clipping
Phoneticsclip·ping, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɫɪpɪŋ/
UK/klˈɪpɪŋ/
Definitions
01shortened words in linguistics
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Linguistics Academic
n. A shorter version of a word that still has the same meaning, like using phone instead of telephone.
n. The morphological process of forming a new word by dropping one or more syllables from a longer word without changing its meaning or grammatical category, or the resulting shortened form.
“The word gym is a common clipping of the word gymnasium.”
“Linguistic clipping often occurs in informal registers to increase efficiency in communication without losing the semantic core of the original lexeme.”
Usage
Commonly used when discussing word formation and etymology.
Pitfall
clippage
clipping
While clippage is sometimes used in technical contexts, clipping is the standard term for the linguistic process.
Synonyms
02Formula 1 energy deployment
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun FORMULA 1 Technical
n. When a racing car runs out of extra electric power before the end of a long straight road.
n. The phenomenon in hybrid power units where the Energy Recovery System (ERS) ceases deployment before the end of a straight, typically due to energy storage limits or strategic mapping.
“The driver lost time because his car started clipping halfway down the main straight.”
“Engineers adjusted the energy map to prevent excessive clipping, ensuring the driver had enough deployment to defend his position into the final corner.”
Usage
Used specifically in the context of hybrid racing engines and ERS management.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03small pieces cut off from something
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Informal
n. A small piece that has been cut off from something larger, like grass or a newspaper article.
n. A fragment or portion removed from a larger entity through a cutting action, frequently used in the context of horticulture or media archives.
“He collected all the grass clipping samples after mowing the lawn.”
“The historian maintained a vast archive of newspaper clipping files dating back to the early twentieth century.”
Usage
Often used in the plural form 'clippings' when referring to grass or hair.
Real-World Examples
“Unlike formal reports or newspaper clippings, personal letters can reveal how World War II felt for the everyday people living through it.” “In the process, I have confirmed old stories with newspaper clippings and learned things I never knew.” “Using a web of motifs, he gives the most mundane images – a glass of milk, a few nail clippings – an unnerving meaning.” “We’ve still got all the press clippings now.” Etymology
By surface analysis, clip + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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