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Pipping Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pipping

[ˈpɪpɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

bird sounds

Pipping refers to the act of making a series of short, sharp sounds, especially by a young bird breaking out of its egg. This sound serves as a communication signal between the embryo and the parents, indicating that hatching is imminent. Pipping is important for the survival of the chick, as it helps facilitate the hatching process by signaling to the mother that the egg is about to hatch. The term can also apply more broadly to other contexts where a sound is made repetitively.

Synonyms

calling, chirping, peeping.

Examples of usage

  • The chick began pipping from inside the egg.
  • We could hear the pipping sounds all night.
  • The pipping indicates that hatching will occur soon.
Context #2 | Verb

breaking out

To pip means to make the initial peeping noise while breaking through an eggshell. This action involves a series of repeated sounds made by the chick as it attempts to emerge from the egg. The pipping process is a critical stage in the development of the chick, often preceded by physical movements within the egg. It is a natural behavior displayed by many species of birds as part of their reproductive cycle.

Synonyms

break, chip, peep.

Examples of usage

  • The chick pipped vigorously until it broke through the shell.
  • She watched as the eggs began to pip.
  • After hours of pipping, the chick finally emerged.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'pipping'

The term 'pipping' originates from the Old English word 'pipian', which means to chirp or peep. The word has Germanic roots, wherein the Middle Dutch term 'pippen' referred to making a small sound. Over decades, the term has evolved to specifically describe the sound made by young birds during the hatching process. In broader contexts, the usage of 'pipping' has also been adopted to describe similar sounds made by other animals and even in various forms of entertainment, maintaining the essence of a small, repetitive sound.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,512, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.