English Reference
noun · verb

tip

n. · v.
US /ˈtɪp/ UK /tˈɪp/ tip UK spelling tip's, tip's, tipped

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.a small amount of extra money you give to someone like a waiter or taxi driver to thank them for their service.

    n.a small sum of money given to a service worker as a gratuity in addition to the basic price.

    Simple

    We left a generous tip for the waiter because the service was excellent.

    In context

    In many cultures, leaving a fifteen percent tip is considered the standard protocol for satisfactory table service in restaurants.

    gratuitybaksheesh
  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    n.a small but useful piece of advice or information.

    n.a useful hint or piece of practical information, often shared by someone with experience.

    Simple

    The teacher gave us some great tips on how to study for the exam.

    In context

    The professional golfer shared several technical tips regarding grip and stance that immediately improved my long game.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    n.the thin or pointed end of something long.

    n.the pointed or rounded end or extremity of an object.

    Simple

    The tip of my pencil broke just as I started the drawing.

    In context

    The climbers finally reached the icy tip of the mountain just as the sun began to set over the horizon.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate British EnglishInformal

    n.a place that is very dirty or untidy.

    n.a colloquial term for a room or building in a state of extreme disorder or filth.

    Simple

    Your bedroom is a total tip; please clean it up before your friends arrive.

    In context

    After the week-long festival, the park was a complete tip, requiring a massive volunteer effort to clear the discarded packaging.

  5. 05 B1 Intermediate British English

    n.a place where people take large items of rubbish to be thrown away.

    n.a designated area or facility for the disposal of refuse or waste materials.

    Simple

    We need to take this old sofa to the tip on Saturday morning.

    In context

    The local council announced new regulations for disposing of hazardous household chemicals at the municipal tip.

  6. 06 B1 Intermediate

    v.to move into a sloping position or to fall over.

    v.to tilt, slant, or overturn from an upright position; can be used with or without a direct object.

    Simple

    Be careful not to tip the chair back too far or you might fall.

    In context

    The boat began to tip dangerously to the left as the heavy cargo shifted during the storm.

    tiltleancapsize
  7. 07 B1 Intermediate

    v.to pour something out of a container by leaning it.

    v.to cause the contents of a container to be discharged by tilting it.

    Simple

    He tipped the water out of his boots after walking through the river.

    In context

    The gardener tipped the bag of mulch onto the flowerbed, spreading it evenly around the base of the roses.

  8. 08 A2 Elementary

    v.to give someone a small amount of extra money for their work.

    v.to provide a gratuity to a service worker.

    Simple

    In some countries, you are expected to tip the hairdresser.

    In context

    The tourists were unsure whether they should tip the tour guide at the end of the excursion.

Usage tip of the iceberg · tips about stories · tips lists

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated