Sip Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sip

[sɪp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

drinking

To drink (a liquid) by taking small mouthfuls.

Synonyms

drink slowly, sample, taste.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sip

Use when referring to taking a small amount of liquid into your mouth to enjoy its taste gently.

  • She took a sip of her tea and smiled.
  • He sipped his coffee while reading the newspaper.
drink slowly

Use when referring to consuming a liquid at a leisurely pace.

  • He likes to drink his wine slowly to savor the flavor.
  • She drank her tea slowly, enjoying the warmth and aroma.
taste

Use when trying a small amount of food or drink to experience its flavor, often for the first time.

  • She tasted the soup to see if it needed more salt.
  • He tasted the wine and detected hints of berry and oak.
sample

Use when trying a small amount of food or drink to evaluate its quality or flavor.

  • Would you like to sample some of our new chocolate?
  • He sampled several wines before choosing his favorite.

Examples of usage

  • She sipped her tea slowly.
  • He sipped on his cocktail while chatting with friends.
Context #2 | Noun

action

An act of sipping.

Synonyms

drink, gulp, taste.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sip

Use 'sip' when you are drinking a small amount of a beverage, usually slowly, to enjoy the flavor or to test the temperature. It is often used for drinks like tea, coffee, or wine.

  • She took a sip of her hot coffee to see if it had the right amount of sugar
drink

Use 'drink' when you are consuming any kind of liquid. It is a general term that can be used in most situations.

  • He needed to drink a lot of water after his long run
taste

Use 'taste' when you are trying a small amount of food or drink to see what its flavor is like. This word is often used when trying something new or checking the quality.

  • She tasted the soup to make sure it had enough salt
gulp

Use 'gulp' when you are drinking quickly and in large amounts. This word gives the sense of urgency or being very thirsty.

  • After running the marathon, he gulped down the bottle of water in seconds

Examples of usage

  • She took a sip of her coffee.
  • He enjoyed every sip of the wine.

Translations

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

Origin of 'sip'

The word 'sip' has roots in Old English and has been used to describe the action of drinking slowly since the 14th century. It is related to the Old High German word 'sippian' meaning 'to sip'. Over the years, 'sip' has retained its original meaning of taking small mouthfuls of liquid, and it is commonly used in everyday language to refer to the act of drinking slowly.


See also: insipid, sipping.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,857, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.