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

These nipples are concealed inside a pouch on its belly, because the Virginia opossum is a marsupial, the only one native to North America. —Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024

Use the opposite hand to gently press your fingers in small circles across your entire breast area and armpit, applying various pressures, and gently squeeze the nipple to check for discharge. —Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN, 20 Oct. 2024

Rub the stuff on your clit, nipples, earlobes, or any other spots that could use an extra sensory boost. —Jamie Ballard, Allure, 3 Oct. 2024

However, the lightweight cups don’t mask the shape of the nipples as well as other bras, which is something to keep in mind. —Kate Watson, People.com, 18 Oct. 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