nipple

noun

nip·​ple ˈni-pəl 

1

: the protuberance of a mammary gland upon which in the female the lactiferous ducts open and from which milk is drawn

2

a

: an artificial teat through which a bottle-fed infant nurses

b

: a device with an orifice through which the discharge of a liquid can be regulated

3

a

: a protuberance resembling or suggesting the nipple of a breast

b

: a small projection through which oil or grease is injected into machinery

4

: a pipe coupling consisting of a short piece of threaded tubing

nippled

ˈni-pəld 

adjective

Examples of nipple in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And a follow-up 2020 study found a similar brain response to nipple stuff in men. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 3 Sep. 2024

Use a warm compress on the nipple right before breastfeeding. —Donna Murray, Rn, Parents, 30 July 2024

Their mammary glands are markedly different from those of eutherian mammals such as cows and humans that have nipples; monotremes instead secrete milk through specialized mammary hairs. —Gat Rauner, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2024

Fox paired the statement skirt with a bright yellow long-sleeve crop top that appeared to have nipple piercing barbells on the chest. —Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 12 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

earlier neble, nible, probably diminutive of neb, nib

First Known Use

circa 1510, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

nipple

noun

nip·​ple ˈnip-əl 

1

: the small protruding part of the gland that in females produces milk and from which a baby or young mammal sucks milk

2

: something resembling a nipple

especially : the mouthpiece of a bottle from which an infant feeds

Medical Definition

nipple

noun

nip·​ple ˈnip-əl 

1

: the protuberance of a mammary gland upon which in the female the lactiferous ducts open and from which milk is drawn

2

a

: an artificial teat through which a bottle-fed infant nurses

b

: a device with an orifice through which the discharge of a liquid can be regulated