nipple

noun

nip·​ple ˈni-pəl How to pronounce nipple (audio)
1
: the protuberance of a mammary gland upon which in the female the lactiferous ducts open and from which milk is drawn
2
a
: an artificial teat through which a bottle-fed infant nurses
b
: a device with an orifice through which the discharge of a liquid can be regulated
3
a
: a protuberance resembling or suggesting the nipple of a breast
b
: a small projection through which oil or grease is injected into machinery
4
: a pipe coupling consisting of a short piece of threaded tubing
nippled adjective

Examples of nipple in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Others may want a bra to create a barrier between sensitive breast buds, nipples, and clothing. Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 20 Mar. 2024 The front of the top has what appears to be beaded chains over a sheer fabric that just barely frees the nipple. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 12 Mar. 2024 At the event, several stars — including Olivia Wilde and Georgia May Jagger — donned nipple covers for the daring outfits while Kravitz went braless and embraced the thin fabric of her brown midi dress. Stacy Lambe, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2024 In her 2023 book, Dear Future Mama, Trainor detailed her rocky pregnancy, which included blood clots, blistering nipples and a gestational diabetes diagnosis. Zoey Lyttle, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024 Throughout testing the parent using this was impressed with the results: clear, dry bottles, nipples and accessories every time. Samson McDougall, Parents, 5 Mar. 2024 This flexible finger sleeve has a rigged tip that gently massages your clit, nipples, and erogenous zones like none other. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 3 Mar. 2024 The fashion world is increasingly embracing nudity as a trend, and there is a growing acceptance of showing elements like nipples and panties as a form of self-expression. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2023 In 2008, the company faced a backlash from breast-feeding mothers over a rule against photos containing a nipple. David Ingram, NBC News, 4 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nipple.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

earlier neble, nible, probably diminutive of neb, nib

First Known Use

circa 1510, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nipple was circa 1510

Dictionary Entries Near nipple

Cite this Entry

“Nipple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nipple. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

nipple

noun
nip·​ple ˈnip-əl How to pronounce nipple (audio)
1
: the small protruding part of the gland that in females produces milk and from which a baby or young mammal sucks milk
2
: something resembling a nipple
especially : the mouthpiece of a bottle from which an infant feeds

Medical Definition

nipple

noun
nip·​ple ˈnip-əl How to pronounce nipple (audio)
1
: the protuberance of a mammary gland upon which in the female the lactiferous ducts open and from which milk is drawn
2
a
: an artificial teat through which a bottle-fed infant nurses
b
: a device with an orifice through which the discharge of a liquid can be regulated

More from Merriam-Webster on nipple

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