What does zipper mean?
A zipper is a mechanical fastening device with two fabric tapes carrying rows of teeth that interlock when a slider is pulled along them. It is used on clothing, bags, luggage, and many other products, where it can be opened or closed quickly. As a noun, zipper may also refer to something that moves very rapidly, as in a figurative description of a person or vehicle. As a verb, zipper means to move at high speed or, with “up,” to fasten a garment or bag. Everyday usage is neutral, though “zip” is especially common in British English as the name for a fastener. The word is also widely used metaphorically for quick movement or as a command such as “zip it up.” Because it combines a vivid sound with the ordinary ending -er, zipper is a characterful example of how new words can become embedded in everyday life.
A fastening device with two toothed strips joined or separated by a sliding puller. By extension, it can mean a person or thing that moves very quickly.
"He tugged the zipper on his bag and hurried toward the station."
The device sense is dominant today. The sense for a rapid person or thing is literary, figurative, and relatively uncommon.
To move very quickly, or to fasten or close something by operating a zipper.
"She zipped up her coat and raced for the bus."
“Zip” and “zip up” are more usual than “zipper” in ordinary speech.
The standard plural is used for multiple fastening devices or, figuratively, for rapid people or things.
"The shop sells colorful bags with waterproof zippers."
Gideon Sundback is credited with both refining the modern zipper and giving the everyday device its memorable name.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does zipper come from?
Zipper is a 20th-century coined word associated with Gideon Sundback, whose patents helped refine the modern slide fastener. It was formed from zip with an -er ending; zip was already used for a sharp, quick sound and for movement of that character. The resulting name zipper was adopted for the fastening device and was subsequently extended to quick actions and rapid-moving people or things.
Related word forms
How zipper is actually used
Zipper is neutral in register and common in both British and American English. British speakers also frequently use “zip” for the fastening device, while American usage more often distinguishes the device, “zipper,” from the digital archive format, “zip file.” As a verb, “zip” or “zip up” is generally more idiomatic than “zipper.”