tip-up I. \ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\noun (-s) Etymology: from tip up, v. 1.[probably so called from the bobbing of its tail when walking]: spotted sandpiper 2.: tilt 6 II. adjective : constructed so as to tip up or out of the way < sat neatly on the little tip-up seat of the taxi — Elizabeth Taylor >