clip

n. a small object used to hold things together, like paper or hair.

n. 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.”

n. a short part of a film, a TV show, or a video.

n. 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.”

n. a fast speed or pace.

n. 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.”

Informal

n. a metal frame that holds bullets for a gun.

n. 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.”

Technical

v. to use a clip to hold things together.

v. 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.”

v. to cut something with scissors or shears, often to make it shorter or neater.

v. 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.”

v. to hit something quickly or lightly while passing by.

v. 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.”

v. to steal something or to cheat someone out of money.

v. 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.”

Slang

n. a quick hit with the hand, usually on the head or ear.

n. 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.”

British English · Informal