What does nipple mean?
A nipple is the small projection on the front of the breast through which breast milk passes. The word is also used for the flexible teat on a baby's bottle and for certain projecting fittings, particularly short threaded pieces used in plumbing. Anatomically, a nipple is part of the breast, with openings through which milk can flow; it can become sore, irritated, or infected, especially during breastfeeding. The term is normally neutral in medical, educational, and general contexts. In British English, “nipple” can also informally mean the fastener at the front of a child's garment, though “bottle top” may be clearer in some circumstances. Familiar compound expressions include “sore nipple,” “nipple cream,” and “nipple shield.” Because the word applies to several small projecting parts, it provides a memorable link between the human body, feeding equipment, and mechanical fittings.
The small projecting part of the breast through which milk passes; also a teat on a feeding bottle or a small projecting fitting on a pipe, tool, or other object.
"She applied a protective cover to the sore nipple before feeding the baby."
The anatomical sense is standard and neutral. The bottle-teat sense is especially common in North American English, while the pipe-fitting sense is technical.
To protrude or form a nipple-like projection; informally, to complain or grumble persistently.
"He began to nipple about the delayed train until another passenger complained."
The sense meaning to complain is informal and usually mildly disparaging; the protrusion sense is uncommon and more technical.
The regular plural is used for anatomical nipples and for multiple objects or fittings of the same kind.
"The feed was designed for babies who prefer smaller nipples."
From the body to plumbing and feeding bottles, the nipple is one word that makes an astonishingly useful connection.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nipple come from?
The modern English word developed from Middle English nipel, a diminutive of nib. The underlying sense was a small projecting or pointed part, which is reflected in the later development of the anatomical and mechanical meanings. The word is cognate with forms in several other Germanic languages, including German Nippel and Dutch tepel, although their precise histories and meanings vary.
Related word forms
How nipple is actually used
In medical and educational contexts, the anatomical sense is neutral and precise. The term for a bottle teat is especially common in North American English, while the clothing-fastener sense is chiefly British and informal.
Easily confused with nipple
A teat can refer to a natural breast nipple, but it is also commonly used for the rubber teat fitted to a baby's bottle.
A nipple is a projecting outlet or teat, whereas a nib is the pointed writing tip of a pen.