Word
snip
US/ˈsnɪp/
UK/snˈɪp/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a small cut or a short piece of something. You often hear this word when people talk about cutting hair or trimming plants.
n. a small cut or a short piece of something, such as a lock of hair or a branch. Often used in the context of grooming or gardening.
Examples
“He took a small snip of the green leaves.”
“The barber gave her a quick snip to the back of her hair to make it look more modern.”
“A single snip of the wire was enough to disconnect the entire circuit, causing the machine to stop immediately.”
Examples
simple
“He took a small snip of the green leaves.”
contextual
“The barber gave her a quick snip to the back of her hair to make it look more modern.”
complex
“A single snip of the wire was enough to disconnect the entire circuit, causing the machine to stop immediately.”
Etymology
From Dutch snippen (“to snip; shred”) or Low German snippen (“to snip; shred”), of imitative origin. Compare snap.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Domain
- 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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QR code
englishreference.com/q/snip