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
Pruning and Clipping Tools Pruning shears, clippers, and garden snips are often the culprit in spreading disease or insect infestations in the garden since they are used to remove parts of the plant.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 10 Feb. 2026
The company sells two dozen grooming items, including clippers, brushes and shaving cream.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 9 Feb. 2026
An arctic cold front slips through the area as the clipper system that brought light snow Friday will drop temperatures dangerously low overnight.
—Vytas Reid, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
Once the clipper system passes, a fresh surge of arctic air will push into the Ohio Valley on Friday night and settle in for the weekend.
—Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clipper
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Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 10 Feb. 2026
The company sells two dozen grooming items, including clippers, brushes and shaving cream.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 9 Feb. 2026
An arctic cold front slips through the area as the clipper system that brought light snow Friday will drop temperatures dangerously low overnight.
—Vytas Reid, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
Once the clipper system passes, a fresh surge of arctic air will push into the Ohio Valley on Friday night and settle in for the weekend.
—Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clipper
Cite this Entry
“Clipper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clipper. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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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