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
Nick WalkerExamples of clipper in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Ribeiro then hilariously appeared behind Derek with a pair of clippers.
—Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
So, Don handles the electric clippers in the backseat while Teddy speeds away from the crime scene.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
They're designed to be more versatile and powerful than those undersized toenail clippers on the Wave Plus.
—New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2025
Regular pruning with some sharp, hand clippers to remove dead fronds will keep the fern looking neat and encourage new growth.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clipper
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Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
So, Don handles the electric clippers in the backseat while Teddy speeds away from the crime scene.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
They're designed to be more versatile and powerful than those undersized toenail clippers on the Wave Plus.
—New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2025
Regular pruning with some sharp, hand clippers to remove dead fronds will keep the fern looking neat and encourage new growth.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clipper
Cite this Entry
“Clipper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clipper. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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