What does snipped mean?
The word snipped is the past tense of the verb snip, which means to cut or clip something with a sharp, quick motion. It is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe a swift and precise cutting action, often with scissors or pruning shears. For example, a gardener might snip dead flowers to encourage new growth, or a tailor might snip a thread to prevent it from tangling. The word can also be used figuratively to describe interrupting or stopping someone abruptly, such as when a conversation is snipped short by an unexpected phone call. Overall, snipped is a useful word for describing quick and precise cutting actions, and its informal tone makes it suitable for everyday conversation.
verbPast tense of snip, meaning to cut or clip something with a sharp, quick motion.
- To cut or clip something with a sharp, quick motion.
- To interrupt or stop someone abruptly.
"She snipped the thread with scissors to prevent it from tangling."
"The gardener snipped the dead flowers to encourage new growth."
"The conversation was snipped short by an unexpected phone call."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of snipped
The verb snip originated in the mid-17th century, likely imitative of the sound of cutting or clipping. It is related to the words clip and cut, and has been influenced by various languages including Old English and Middle Dutch.
How snipped is actually used
Informal usage; often used in everyday conversation.