What does lip mean?
A lip is the fleshy, movable edge of the mouth, but the word also has a useful range of extended meanings. It can describe the rim of a vessel, opening, or machine part, and in geography it may refer to the edge of a lake or river. A person's lips may tremble, tighten, purse, or part, making the word common in descriptions of speech, emotion, expression, and physical action. In the phrase “lip service,” it means speech that sounds supportive or respectful without corresponding action. As a verb, “lip” is informal and means to speak impudently or with excessive familiarity, often in a way that suggests cheekiness or disrespect. Together, these senses make “lip” both a familiar part of everyday vocabulary and a useful term in anatomy, engineering, and physical geography.
The fleshy, movable fold forming the edge of the mouth, or by extension the edge or rim of an opening, vessel, or other object.
"Her lower lip trembled as she tried not to cry."
The extended senses are common in technical and geographical contexts, including references to vessel rims, equipment edges, and the shores of lakes or rivers.
To speak with bold, cheeky, or impudent familiarity.
"Don't lip the teacher when she asks a reasonable question."
This is informal and usually carries a negative connotation of excessive talk, insolence, or disrespect.
The plural refers collectively or individually to the fleshy edges of the mouth and is also used in extended senses such as a vessel's rims.
"Her lips curved into a knowing smile."
The word for the edge of the mouth also names the edge of a cup, jar, or other opening: a cup literally has lips.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of lip
The modern English word descends from Old English lippy, related to other Germanic forms for the edge of the mouth. Its precise ultimate origin is uncertain, although proposals connecting it with a root meaning “tease” or “lick” have been made. The noun is not directly related to Latin labium, although both English and Latin have forms meaning the lip or mouth edge; labium and labial belong to that separate Latin family.
Related word forms
How lip is actually used
As a verb, the word is informal and often implies cheekiness, impudence, or excessive talk. As a noun, it can sound technical in engineering, geography, and anatomy.
Easily confused with lip
A lip is a fleshy edge, especially around the mouth or an opening, whereas a tip is a narrow or pointed end of an object.