# nip

/ˈnɪp/ (US) · /nˈɪp/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nip
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

to give someone or something a quick, sharp bite or pinch. It is often used to describe a cold feeling in the air or a small bite from a pet.

For teachers: to pinch, squeeze, or bite sharply. Often describes the physical sensation of cold or the behavior of a small animal; transitive when referring to the act of biting.

## Examples

- The puppy likes to nip at my heels when we play.
- There is a sharp nip in the air this morning, so you should wear a scarf.
- The frost began to nip the edges of the delicate leaves, signaling the sudden arrival of an early winter that the farmers were not yet prepared for.

## Usage notes

- When used to describe biting, it is often followed by the preposition 'at'.

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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.