# clipping

/ˈkɫɪpɪŋ/ (US) · /klˈɪpɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clipping
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a shorter version of a word that still has the same meaning. You use this when you turn a long word like 'telephone' into 'phone'.

For teachers: the process of forming a new word by dropping one or more syllables from a longer word without changing its meaning or grammatical category. Also refers to the resulting shortened form itself.

## Examples

- The word 'exam' is a common clipping of 'examination'.
- Linguists study clipping to understand how speakers naturally shorten complex words for efficiency in casual conversation.
- While some clippings like 'bus' have entirely replaced their original forms in common parlance, others like 'info' remain restricted to informal or technical registers.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the linguistic process; countable when referring to a specific shortened word.

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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.