clipper

noun

clip·​per ˈkli-pər 

1

: one that clips something

2

: an implement for clipping especially hair, fingernails, or toenails

—usually used in plural

3

: something that moves swiftly: such as

a

: a fast sailing ship

especially : one with long slender lines, an overhanging bow, tall masts, and a large sail area

b

or clipper system : a fast-moving, low-pressure weather system : alberta clipper

… but that's just a taste of things to come as that clipper system moves across the Lakes.

—Nick Walker

Examples of clipper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And Baltimore is historically famous for its shipbuilding including the Baltimore clippers and the Liberty ships. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 31 Dec. 2024

What's New National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists have issued winter storm warnings for four states in the northern U.S. as an Alberta clipper treks eastward. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

Southeastern Wisconsin is under a Winter Weather Advisory from noon Thursday through noon Friday as a clipper system moves through the area bringing several inches of snow accumulations. —Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 19 Dec. 2024

The clipper system will be followed by strong winds and Arctic air, driving temperatures down across the eastern half of the U.S. —David Brennan, ABC News, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clipper

• Alberta clipper

Kids Definition

clipper

noun

clip·​per ˈklip-ər 

1

: one that clips

2

plural : a device for clipping

hair clippers

3

: a fast sailing ship with usually three tall masts and large square sails