VocabDictionary

zips

/zɪps/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

Fasteners consisting of two rows of teeth that are interlocked by a sliding tab, commonly used on clothing and bags.

Example Sentences:
  • The zips on her new winter boots were stuck.
  • Make sure the zips on your luggage are fully closed before checking in.
2.noun

Informal term for zero, nothing, or naught.

Example Sentences:
  • Our team ended up with zips after playing a terrible game.
  • The chances of that happening are strictly zips.
3.verb

Fastens or closes something using a zipper.

Example Sentences:
  • He zips his coat tightly against the cold wind.
  • She zips up her dress before heading out to the party.
4.verb

Moves quickly and with energy or a whistling sound.

Example Sentences:
  • The sports car zips past the slower traffic.
  • A little hummingbird zips from flower to flower.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “zips”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

The word is formed from 'zip' (an onomatopoeic creation imitating a sharp, high-speed sound, originating in the late 19th century) with the addition of the plural or third-person singular suffix '-s'. As a noun, it refers to zippers or noughts/zeros; as a verb, it describes the action of fastening something or moving swiftly.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of the sound a jacket makes when you pull it up fast: *zip*, *zips*!

Common Collocations & Phrases
Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “zips

1. What is the meaning of “zips” in English?

In English, zips (noun) is defined as: “Fasteners consisting of two rows of teeth that are interlocked by a sliding tab, commonly used on clothing and bags.”.

2. How do you use “zips” in a sentence?

The zips on her new winter boots were stuck.

3. What are English synonyms of “zips”?

Common synonyms include:zippers,fasteners,noughts,zeros,dashes

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “zips”?

The word is formed from 'zip' (an onomatopoeic creation imitating a sharp, high-speed sound, originating in the late 19th century) with the addition of the plural or third-person singular suffix '-s'. As a noun, it refers to zippers or noughts/zeros; as a verb, it describes the action of fastening something or moving swiftly.