clippers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal
Quick answer
What does “clippers” mean?
A tool or device for cutting or trimming, typically with two sharp blades that close together.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tool or device for cutting or trimming, typically with two sharp blades that close together.
A professional sports team, especially in basketball (LA Clippers), or a fast sailing ship historically used for trade.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'clippers' often specifically refers to hair clippers or animal grooming shears. In the US, it's more broadly used for various cutting tools (hair, nail, hedge). The sports team reference (LA Clippers) is predominantly American.
Connotations
UK: Practical, grooming, barber shops. US: Sports, gardening, personal care.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to sports context.
Grammar
How to Use “clippers” in a Sentence
Use [clippers] to [trim/cut] [something][Someone] [operates/uses] [the clippers]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clippers” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He clippered the poodle's fur neatly.
- They are clippering the team logo into the hedge.
American English
- She clippered her son's hair in the backyard.
- We clippered the bushes into shapes.
adverb
British English
- He cut the hair clipperly and efficiently.
- The grass was mown clipper-close.
American English
- She trimmed the dog's fur clipper-quick.
- The topiary was shaped clipper-precise.
adjective
British English
- The clippered lawn looked pristine.
- He had a freshly clippered beard.
American English
- The clippered hedge lined the driveway.
- His clippered haircut was very tidy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the Los Angeles Clippers basketball franchise or brand of grooming products.
Academic
Historical context: 'tea clippers' as fast 19th-century merchant ships.
Everyday
Tools for cutting hair, nails, or garden plants.
Technical
Precision cutting instruments in barbering or horticulture.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clippers”
- Using singular 'clipper' for the tool (say 'clippers' or 'a pair of clippers'). Confusing with 'clip' (a fastener).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring to the cutting tool, it is almost always used in the plural form ('a pair of clippers'). The singular 'clipper' is used for ships or in specific compounds.
Clippers typically have two blades that meet in a shearing motion, often with a spring mechanism (e.g., hair/nail clippers). Scissors have two pivoted blades with finger holes, used for cutting materials like paper or fabric.
Yes, informally. 'To clipper' means to cut or trim using clippers (e.g., 'He clippered the dog's fur'). It's more common in casual speech than formal writing.
The name was chosen when the team moved to San Diego in 1978, inspired by the sailing ships (clipper ships) famous in San Diego's maritime history. The name stayed when the team moved to Los Angeles.
A tool or device for cutting or trimming, typically with two sharp blades that close together.
Clippers is usually neutral to informal in register.
Clippers: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklɪp.əz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklɪp.ɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Run with the clippers on (to act hastily or dangerously)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CLIPPERS sound like 'clip ears' – imagine clipping hair around the ears with the tool.
Conceptual Metaphor
A tool is a servant (clippers serve to trim and shape).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'clippers' most likely refer to a sports team?