Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense zips, present participle zipping, past tense, past participle zipped
1. countable noun
A zip or zip fastener is a device used to open and close parts of clothes and bags. It consists of two rows of metal or plastic teeth whichseparate or fasten together as you pull a small tag along them.
[mainly British]
He pulled the zip of his leather jacket down slightly. [+ of]
regional note: in AM, usually use zipper
2. verb
When you zip something, you fasten it using a zip.
She zipped her jeans. [VERB noun]
I slowly zipped and locked the heavy black nylon bags. [VERB noun]
3. verb
To zip a computer file means to compress it so that it needs less space for storage on disk and can be transmitted more quickly.
[computing]
Zip up means the same as zip.
These files have been zipped up to take up less disk space. [VERBPARTICLE]
[Also VERBPARTICLE noun]
4. verb
If you say that something or someone zips somewhere, you mean that they move there very quickly.
[informal]
My craft zipped across the bay. [VERB preposition/adverb]
Max zips back and forth across the living room. [VERB preposition/adverb]
Synonyms: speed, shoot, fly, tear More Synonyms of zip
5. uncountable noun
If you say that someone or something has zip, you mean that they show a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
[informal]
Conductors are introducing audience participation to inject zip into their concerts.
He gives the choreography his usual class and zip.
Synonyms: energy, go [informal], life, drive More Synonyms of zip
Phrasal verbs:
See zip up
More Synonyms of zip
zip in British English
(zɪp)
noun
1.
a. Also called: zip fastener
a fastening device operating by means of two parallel rows of metal or plastic teeth on either side of a closure that are interlocked by a sliding tab
US and Canadian term: zipper
b. (modifier)
having or equipped with such a device
a zip bag
2.
a short sharp whizzing sound, as of a passing bullet
3. informal
energy; vigour; vitality
4. US slang
nothing
5. sport, US and Canadian slang
nil
verbWord forms: zips, zipping or zipped
6. (transitive; often foll byup)
to fasten (clothing, a bag, etc) with a zip
7. (intransitive)
to move with a zip
the bullet zipped past
8. (intr; often foll by along, through, etc)
to hurry; rush
they zipped through town
9. (transitive) computing
to compress (a file) in order to reduce the amount of memory required to store it or to make sending it electronically quicker
10. zip it
Word origin
C19: of imitative origin
Zip in British English
(zɪp)
noun
trademark New Zealand
an electric water heater
zip in American English
(zɪp)
noun
1.
a short, sharp hissing or whizzing sound, as of a passing bullet
2. Informal
energy; vigor; vim
3. Chiefly British
zipper
: also ˈzip-ˈfastener
4. Slang
nothing; zero
the player was zip-for-12 at the line
5. Informal
a zip code number
verb intransitiveWord forms: zipped or ˈzipping US
6.
to make, or move with, a zip
7. Informal
to act or move with speed or energy
8.
to become fastened or unfastened by means of a zipper
verb transitive US
9.
to fasten or unfasten with a zipper
Word origin
echoic
Examples of 'zip' in a sentence
zip
Also has reflective piping and two zipped security pockets.
The Sun (2016)
The zipped pockets are on back rather than the front, so when you wear it they are safely hidden away.
The Sun (2016)
First, news that the economy zipped along by a whole 0.5 per cent in the three months after the vote.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
All zip codes and phone numbers are of the same length.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
By the end of the movie my jacket was being zipped higher and higher.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Zip pocket at the back is useful too.
The Sun (2011)
They reckon the person who zipped up the bag discovered him dead and fled the flat.
The Sun (2010)
You can now safely move the original zipped file into the recycle bin.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Now you can fasten the button and the zip will stay closed.
The Sun (2014)
The action zips along at a pleasing pace and there are some cracking twists.
The Sun (2008)
He then opens the zip from one end and climbs in.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Plus tons of zips and pockets for essentials.
The Sun (2015)
The shipping containers are stacked at the port by driverless cranes that zip back and forth on rails.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Telescope lacked his usual zip and his tongue got over the bit because he was a bit too fresh.
The Sun (2013)
Let us know if you find a way to do the zip at the back all the way to the top.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
He also zips around town in a Mini.
The Sun (2011)
Better still, harness energy as you zip downhill to recharge the battery.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Your zip code changes, but your address is permanent.
Christianity Today (2000)
He is wearing biker boots, studded trousers and a sculpted leather jacket zipped up tight.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
I slow the line as it zips through my left hand and the leader begins to unfurl.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Problem is, so far there's zip to show for it.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
In other languages
zip
British English: zip /zɪp/ NOUN
A zip is a device used to open and close parts of clothes and bags. It consists of two rows of metal or plastic teeth which separate or fasten together as you pull a small tag along them.
He pulled the zip of his leather jacket down.
American English: zipper
Arabic: زِمَامٌ مُنْزَلِق
Brazilian Portuguese: zíper
Chinese: 拉链
Croatian: patentni zatvarač
Czech: zip
Danish: lynlås
Dutch: rits
European Spanish: cremallera
Finnish: vetoketju
French: fermeture éclair
German: Reißverschluss
Greek: φερμουάρ
Italian: cerniera lampo
Japanese: ファスナー
Korean: 지퍼
Norwegian: glidelås
Polish: zamek suwak
European Portuguese: fecho de correr
Romanian: fermoar
Russian: застежка-молния
Latin American Spanish: cremallera
Swedish: blixtlås
Thai: ซิป
Turkish: fermuar
Ukrainian: застібка-блискавка
Vietnamese: phéc-mơ-tuya
British English: zip /zɪp/ VERB
When you zip something, you fasten it using a zip.
She zipped her jeans.
American English: zip
Arabic: يُغْلِقُ زِمَاماً مُنْزَلِقاً
Brazilian Portuguese: fechar o zíper
Chinese: 拉拉链
Croatian: zakopčati patentni zatvarač
Czech: zapnout zip
Danish: lyne
Dutch: ritsen
European Spanish: cerrar la cremallera
Finnish: sulkea vetoketju
French: fermer fermeture éclair
German: den Reißverschluss zumachen
Greek: κλείνω φερμουάρ
Italian: chiudere la lampo
Japanese: ファスナーを締める
Korean: ...을 지퍼로 잠그다
Norwegian: lukke glidelåsen
Polish: zapiąć
European Portuguese: fechar o fecho de correr
Romanian: a închide fermoarul
Russian: застегивать на молнию
Latin American Spanish: cerrar la cremallera
Swedish: stänga blixtlås
Thai: รูดซิป
Turkish: kapatmak fermuar
Ukrainian: застібати на блискавку
Vietnamese: kéo phéc-mơ-tuya
All related terms of 'zip'
zip it
to stop talking
zip-on
attachable by means of a zip fastener
zip up
If you zip up something such as a piece of clothing or if it zips up , you are able to fasten it using its zip.
zip gun
a crude homemade pistol , esp one powered by a spring or rubber band
zip code
Your zip code is a short sequence of letters and numbers at the end of your address , which helps the post office to sort the mail .
zip disk
A zip disk is a computer disk, similar to a floppy disk but capable of storing greater amounts of data .
zip drive
A zip drive is a piece of computer equipment that you use for storing large amounts of data .
zip file
A zip file is a computer file containing data that has been compressed.
zip line
a cable mechanism used for transportation across a river, gorge , etc
zip-lock
designating or of a plastic storage bag of the Ziploc type
zip wire
a cable mechanism used for transportation across a river, gorge , etc
zip fastener
a fastening device operating by means of two parallel rows of metal or plastic teeth on either side of a closure that are interlocked by a sliding tab
zip fastening
a fastener in the form of a zip
postal code
a code of letters and digits used as part of a postal address to aid the sorting of mail
postcode
Your postcode is a short sequence of numbers and letters at the end of your address, which helps the post office to sort the mail.
Chinese translation of 'zip'
zip
(zɪp)
n(c)
(Brit, = fastener) 拉链(鏈) (lāliàn) (条(條), tiáo)
美 = zipper
vt
(also zip up) 拉 ... 的拉链(鏈) (lā ... de lāliàn)
1 (verb)
Definition
to hurry or rush
My craft zipped along the bay.
Synonyms
speed
The engine noise rises only slightly as I speed along.
shoot
They had almost reached the boat when a figure shot past them.
fly
I flew downstairs.
tear
The door flew open and she tore into the room.
rush
Someone inside the building rushed out.
flash
Cars flashed by every few minutes.
dash
Suddenly she dashed out into the garden.
hurry
Claire hurried along the road.
barrel (along) (informal, mainly US, Canadian)
buzz
A few tourists were buzzing around.
streak
A meteorite streaked across the sky.
hare (British, informal)
zoom
A police car zoomed by.
whizz (informal)
A car whizzed past.
hurtle
A pretty young girl came hurtling down the stairs.
pelt
She pelted down the stairs in her nightgown.
burn rubber (informal)
2 (verb)
Synonyms
compress (computing)
Textbooks compressed six millennia of Egyptian history into a few pages.
archive (computing)
Opposites
unzip
,
decompress
(noun)
Definition
energy or vigour
(informal)
He gave the choreography his usual class and zip.
Synonyms
energy
At 65 years old, her energy is wonderful.
go (informal)
Considering her age, she still has a lot of go in her.
life
The town itself was full of life and character.
drive
He is best remembered for his drive and enthusiasm.
spirit
They played with spirit.
punch (informal)
The film lacks punch and pace.
pep
They need something to put the pep back in their lives.
sparkle
There was little sparkle in their performance.
vitality
He fell in love with her for her vitality and sense of fun.
vigour
He lacks the vigour of a normal, healthy teenager.
He played with great vigour.
verve
He played with great style and verve.
zest
He has a zest for life and a quick intellect.
gusto
Hers was a minor part, but she played it with gusto.
welly (slang)
get-up-and-go (informal)
She's got more get-up-and-go than anyone I know.
oomph (informal)
brio
The performance was full of brio.
zing (informal)
He just lacked that extra zing.
liveliness
Some may enjoy the liveliness of such a restaurant.
vim
pizzazz or pizazz (informal)
Opposites
apathy
,
inertia
,
lethargy
,
indifference
,
laziness
,
sloth
,
sluggishness
,
listlessness
Additional synonyms
in the sense of brio
The performance was full of brio.
Synonyms
energy,
spirit,
enthusiasm,
dash,
pep,
zip (informal),
animation,
vigour,
verve,
zest,
panache,
gusto,
get-up-and-go (informal),
élan,
vivacity,
liveliness,
welly (slang)
in the sense of buzz
Definition
to move around quickly and busily
A few tourists were buzzing around.
Synonyms
bustle,
tear,
rush,
stir,
dash,
hurry,
scramble,
fuss,
flutter,
beetle,
hasten,
scuttle,
scurry,
scamper
in the sense of dash
Definition
to move hastily
Suddenly she dashed out into the garden.
Synonyms
rush,
run,
race,
shoot,
fly,
career,
speed,
spring,
tear,
bound,
hurry,
barrel (along) (informal),
sprint,
bolt,
dart,
hasten,
scurry,
haste,
stampede,
burn rubber (informal),
make haste,
hotfoot
Synonyms of 'zip'
zip
Explore 'zip' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of drive
Definition
energy, ambition, or initiative
He is best remembered for his drive and enthusiasm.
Synonyms
initiative,
push (informal),
energy,
enterprise,
ambition,
pep,
motivation,
zip (informal),
vigour,
welly (slang),
get-up-and-go (informal)
in the sense of flash
Definition
to move very fast
Cars flashed by every few minutes.
Synonyms
speed,
race,
shoot,
fly,
tear,
sweep,
dash,
barrel (along) (informal),
whistle,
sprint,
bolt,
streak,
dart,
zoom,
burn rubber (informal)
in the sense of fly
Definition
to move very quickly or suddenly
I flew downstairs.
Synonyms
rush,
race,
shoot,
career,
speed,
tear,
dash,
hurry,
barrel (along) (informal),
sprint,
bolt,
dart,
zoom,
hare (British, informal),
hasten,
whizz (informal),
scoot,
scamper,
burn rubber (informal),
be off like a shot (informal)
in the sense of get-up-and-go
Definition
energy or drive
She's got more get-up-and-go than anyone I know.
Synonyms
energy,
drive,
spirit,
life,
push (informal),
strength,
pep,
zip (informal),
vitality,
stamina,
vigour,
zeal,
verve,
zest,
welly (slang),
vivacity,
liveliness,
vim,
forcefulness
in the sense of go
Definition
the quality of being active and energetic
Considering her age, she still has a lot of go in her.
Synonyms
energy,
life,
drive,
spirit,
pep,
vitality,
vigour,
verve,
welly (slang),
force,
get-up-and-go (informal),
oomph (informal),
brio,
vivacity
in the sense of gusto
Definition
vigorous enjoyment
Hers was a minor part, but she played it with gusto.
Synonyms
relish,
enthusiasm,
appetite,
appreciation,
liking,
delight,
pleasure,
enjoyment,
savour,
zeal,
verve,
zest,
fervour,
exhilaration,
brio,
zing (informal)
in the sense of hurry
Definition
to move or act, or cause to move or act, in great haste
Claire hurried along the road.
Synonyms
rush,
fly,
dash,
barrel (along) (informal),
scurry,
scoot,
burn rubber (informal)
in the sense of hurtle
Definition
to move very quickly or violently
A pretty young girl came hurtling down the stairs.
Synonyms
rush,
charge,
race,
shoot,
fly,
speed,
tear,
crash,
plunge,
barrel (along) (informal),
scramble,
spurt,
stampede,
scoot,
burn rubber (informal),
rush headlong,
go hell for leather (informal)
in the sense of life
Definition
liveliness or high spirits
The town itself was full of life and character.
Synonyms
liveliness,
activity,
energy,
spirit,
go (informal),
pep,
sparkle,
vitality,
animation,
vigour,
verve,
zest,
high spirits,
get-up-and-go (informal),
oomph (informal),
brio,
vivacity
in the sense of liveliness
Some may enjoy the liveliness of such a restaurant.
Synonyms
energy,
activity,
spirit,
vitality,
animation,
dynamism,
gaiety,
brio,
quickness,
vivacity,
smartness,
briskness,
boisterousness,
sprightliness
Additional synonyms
in the sense of pelt
Definition
to hurry
She pelted down the stairs in her nightgown.
Synonyms
rush,
charge,
shoot,
career,
speed,
tear,
belt (slang),
dash,
hurry,
barrel (along) (informal),
whizz (informal),
stampede,
run fast,
burn rubber (informal)
in the sense of pep
Definition
high spirits, energy, or vitality
They need something to put the pep back in their lives.
Synonyms
energy,
life,
spirit,
zip (informal),
vitality,
animation,
vigour,
verve,
high spirits,
gusto,
welly (slang),
get-up-and-go (informal),
brio,
vivacity,
liveliness,
vim
in the sense of punch
Definition
point or vigour
The film lacks punch and pace.
Synonyms
effectiveness,
force,
bite,
impact,
point,
drive,
vigour,
verve,
forcefulness
in the sense of rush
Definition
to move or do very quickly
Someone inside the building rushed out.
Synonyms
hurry,
run,
race,
shoot,
fly,
career,
speed,
tear,
dash,
sprint,
scramble,
bolt,
dart,
hasten,
scurry,
stampede,
lose no time,
make short work of,
burn rubber (informal),
make haste,
hotfoot
in the sense of shoot
Definition
to move very rapidly
They had almost reached the boat when a figure shot past them.
Synonyms
speed,
race,
rush,
charge,
fly,
spring,
tear,
flash,
dash,
barrel (along) (informal, US, Canadian),
bolt,
streak,
dart,
whisk,
whizz (informal),
hurtle,
scoot,
burn rubber (informal)
in the sense of sparkle
Definition
liveliness and wit
There was little sparkle in their performance.
Synonyms
vivacity,
life,
spirit,
dash,
zip (informal),
vitality,
animation,
panache,
gaiety (old-fashioned),
élan,
brio,
liveliness,
vim
in the sense of spirit
Definition
liveliness shown in what a person does
They played with spirit.
Synonyms
liveliness,
energy,
vigour,
life,
force,
fire,
resolution,
enterprise,
enthusiasm,
sparkle,
warmth,
animation,
zest,
mettle,
welly (slang),
ardour,
earnestness,
brio
in the sense of streak
Definition
to move quickly in a straight line
A meteorite streaked across the sky.
Synonyms
speed,
fly,
tear,
sweep,
flash,
barrel (along) (informal, US, Canadian),
whistle,
sprint,
dart,
zoom,
whizz (informal),
hurtle,
burn rubber (informal),
move like greased lightning (informal)
in the sense of tear
Definition
to hurry or rush
The door flew open and she tore into the room.
Synonyms
rush,
run,
charge,
race,
shoot,
fly,
career,
speed,
belt (slang),
dash,
hurry,
barrel (along) (informal, US, Canadian),
sprint,
bolt,
dart,
gallop,
zoom,
burn rubber (informal)
in the sense of verve
Definition
great enthusiasm or liveliness
He played with great style and verve.
Synonyms
enthusiasm,
energy,
spirit,
life,
force,
punch (informal),
dash,
pep,
sparkle,
zip (informal),
vitality,
animation,
vigour,
zeal,
gusto,
welly (slang),
get-up-and-go (informal),
élan,
brio,
vivacity,
liveliness,
vim
Additional synonyms
in the sense of vigour
Definition
physical or mental energy
He lacks the vigour of a normal, healthy teenager.He played with great vigour.
Synonyms
energy,
might,
force,
vitality,
power,
activity,
spirit,
strength,
snap (informal),
punch (informal),
dash,
pep,
zip (informal),
animation,
verve,
gusto,
dynamism,
welly (slang),
oomph (informal),
brio,
robustness,
liveliness,
vim,
forcefulness
in the sense of vitality
Definition
physical or mental energy
He fell in love with her for her vitality and sense of fun.
Synonyms
energy,
vivacity,
sparkle,
go (informal),
life,
strength,
pep,
stamina,
animation,
vigour,
exuberance,
welly (slang),
brio,
robustness,
liveliness,
vim,
lustiness,
vivaciousness
in the sense of whizz
Definition
to move or go quickly
A car whizzed past.
Synonyms
speed,
race,
career,
hurtle,
bomb,
tear,
rush,
flash,
belt (slang),
zoom
in the sense of zest
Definition
invigorating or keen excitement or enjoyment
He has a zest for life and a quick intellect.
Synonyms
enjoyment,
love,
appetite,
relish,
interest,
joy,
excitement,
zeal,
gusto,
keenness,
zing (informal),
delectation
in the sense of zing
Definition
the quality in something that makes it lively or interesting