What does sipped mean?
Sipped is the past tense of sip and means to drink a small amount of liquid, usually slowly or gently. It suggests a deliberate and often refined action rather than the rapid consumption implied by gulping or guzzling. A person may sip tea, coffee, wine, or another drink, taking one small mouthful at a time. The phrase “sipped” can also describe taking a small amount of liquid into the mouth without immediately swallowing it, although this usage is less common. The word is widely understood in both British and American English and is often used to create an atmosphere of relaxation, careful enjoyment, or sophistication.
verbTo drink a small amount of liquid at a time, especially slowly or gently. In the past tense, it describes an action that has already happened.
- To drink a small amount of liquid slowly or gently.
- To take a small amount of liquid into the mouth without swallowing it immediately.
"She sipped her tea while reading the newspaper."
"He sipped the hot coffee and checked his messages."
"The audience sipped lemonade while waiting for the performance to begin."
Sipping is the art of taking a small, deliberate mouthful rather than drinking a glass all at once.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sipped come from?
The verb sip comes from Middle English and ultimately from an Old English word related to “sip,” “sup,” and “soup,” suggesting the taking of a small amount of liquid. The modern verb has been used in English for several centuries, with “sipped” serving as its regular past-tense form. Related forms include the noun sip, the third-person singular sips, and the present participle sipping.
Related word forms
How sipped is actually used
The word often conveys a leisurely, refined, or gentle manner of drinking. It is commonly used for tea, coffee, wine, and other beverages.