quip

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: a clever usually taunting remark : gibe
b
: a witty or funny observation or response usually made on the spur of the moment
2
3
: something strange, droll, curious, or eccentric : oddity
quippy adjective

quip

2 of 2

verb

quipped; quipping

transitive verb

: to jest or gibe at
quipper noun

Did you know?

Quip is a shortening of quippy, a noun that is no longer in use. Etymologists believe that quippy came from Latin quippe, a word meaning "indeed" or "to be sure" that was often used ironically.

Examples of quip in a Sentence

Noun They traded quips over a beer. has his share of the quips that seem to come with a title of nobility Verb she rolled her eyes at her brother's bragging and quipped, “You're a legend in your own mind, all right”
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Cher is a bracing read, peppered with caustic quips and self-effacing anecdotes, but fundamentally frank. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2024 Despite the fallout, the comedian hammered down on his quip, arguing that some can’t take a joke, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Democratic vice presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz (Minn.). Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
Matt quips, promoting laughter from the studio audience. Liza Esquibias, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024 The guest list reads like a marquee: Frank Sinatra trading quips with Milton Berle; Dean Martin juggling a cigarette and dinner plate at the buffet; Ronald Reagan discussing the menu with Mom. Claudia Cowan, Fox News, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for quip 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

earlier quippy, perhaps from Latin quippe indeed, to be sure (often ironic), from quid what — more at quiddity

First Known Use

Noun

1532, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1579, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of quip was in 1532

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Dictionary Entries Near quip

Cite this Entry

“Quip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quip. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

quip

1 of 2 noun
1
: a clever remark
2
: a witty or funny saying

quip

2 of 2 verb
quipped; quipping
: to make quips

More from Merriam-Webster on quip

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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