# lip

/ˈɫɪp/ (US) · /lˈɪp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lip
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. part of the mouth

noun · CEFR A1

one of the two soft, pink or red parts around your mouth.

For teachers: either of the two fleshy folds forming the margins of the mouth.

- She applied some balm because her lips were dry from the cold wind.
- The patient presented with a small laceration on the lower lip that required three stitches to close properly.

### 2. edge of a container

noun · CEFR B1

the top edge of a cup, bowl, or other container.

For teachers: the projecting rim or edge of a vessel or open container.

- Be careful not to chip the lip of that expensive crystal glass.
- The jug features a narrow lip designed to prevent splashing while pouring heavy liquids.

### 3. rude talk

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

rude or disrespectful speech, especially to someone in authority.

For teachers: impudent or disrespectful speech; backtalk.

- The teacher told the student she didn't want any more lip from him.
- The manager warned the employee that further lip regarding the new policy would result in a formal disciplinary hearing.

### 4. edge of a cliff

noun · CEFR B2

the very edge of a steep place, like a cliff or a crater.

For teachers: the edge or margin of a steep geographical feature or cavity.

- They stood at the lip of the canyon and looked down at the river.
- The hikers halted at the lip of the volcanic crater, mesmerised by the steam rising from the vents below.

### 5. musical technique

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the strength or position of a musician's mouth when playing a wind instrument.

For teachers: the condition or strength of a wind instrumentalist's embouchure.

- The trumpet player lost his lip after not practicing for a month.
- Developing a strong lip is essential for horn players to maintain pitch stability during long orchestral performances.

### 6. to touch with lips

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to touch something with your lips or to flow against an edge.

For teachers: to touch or lap against a surface; in sports, to hit the edge of a hole.

- The waves gently lipped the side of the wooden boat.
- The golfer groaned as his birdie putt lipped the cup but failed to drop in.

## Examples

- She put the glass to her lips and took a sip.
- The child bit his lower lip nervously while waiting for the teacher to return the test results.
- The potter carefully smoothed the lip of the bowl to ensure that liquid would pour cleanly without dripping down the side of the vessel.

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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.