nip
nip /n'ɪp/ (nips nipping nipped)
1 [VERB] no passive, V adv/prep
If you nip somewhere, usually somewhere nearby, you go there quickly or for a short time. (BRIT INFORMAL)
Should I nip out and get some groceries?...
= pop
2 [VERB] V n
If an animal or person nips you, they bite you lightly or squeeze a piece of your skin between their finger and thumb.
I have known cases where dogs have nipped babies...
[N-COUNT]
Nip is also a noun.
Some ants can give you a nasty nip.
3 [N-COUNT]
A nip is a small amount of a strong alcoholic drink.
She had a habit of taking an occasional nip from a flask of cognac.
4
to nip something in the bud: see bud
1 [VERB] no passive, V adv/prep
If you nip somewhere, usually somewhere nearby, you go there quickly or for a short time. (BRIT INFORMAL)
Should I nip out and get some groceries?...
= pop
2 [VERB] V n
If an animal or person nips you, they bite you lightly or squeeze a piece of your skin between their finger and thumb.
I have known cases where dogs have nipped babies...
[N-COUNT]
Nip is also a noun.
Some ants can give you a nasty nip.
3 [N-COUNT]
A nip is a small amount of a strong alcoholic drink.
She had a habit of taking an occasional nip from a flask of cognac.
4
to nip something in the bud: see bud