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lip Definition

lip (lip)

noun

  1. either of the two fleshy folds forming the edges of the mouth
  2. anything like a lip, as in structure or in being an edge, rim, or margin; specif.,
    1. the edge of a wound
    2. the projecting rim of a pitcher, cup, etc.
    3. the edge of the mouthpiece of a wind instrument
    4. the edge on either side of the sound-producing opening of an organ flue pipe
    5. the cutting edge of any of certain tools
    6. Anat. labium
    7. Bot. a lip-shaped corolla, calyx, or petal, as in a mint or an orchid
    8. labellum
  3. the position and use of the lips in playing a wind instrument; embouchure
  4. Slang impertinent or insolent talk

Etymology: ME lippe < OE lippa, akin to MDu lippe < IE base *leb-, to hang loosely, lip > L labes, a falling, labium, lip

transitive verb lipped, lip′·ping

  1. to touch with the lips; specif.,
    1. to place the lips in the proper position for playing (a wind instrument)
    2. Archaic to kiss
  2. to utter, esp. softly
  3. Golf to come just to the edge of (the cup): said of the ball

adjective

  1. Phonet. articulated with a lip or the lips; labial: not widely used as a technical term a lip consonant
  2. of or for the lips
  3. from the lips only; spoken, but insincere

lip Related Forms
lip′·less adjective
lip Idioms

bite one's lip

to keep back one's anger, annoyance, etc.

hang on the lips of

to listen to with close attention

keep a stiff upper lip

☆

Informal to avoid becoming frightened or discouraged under difficulties

smack one's lips

to express great satisfaction in anticipating or remembering something pleasant

lip Synonyms

lip

n.

  1. A fleshy portion of the mouth

    speech organ, fold of flesh, edge of the mouth, liplike part, labium, labrum; see also mouth1.

  2. An edge

    spout, margin, brim, flange, portal, nozzle, overlap, projection, flare; see also edge 1, rim.

bite one's lips

show restraint, keep back one's anger, hold one's temper in check; see restrain oneself.

hang on the lips of

attend to, heed, hang on one's every word; see listen 2.

keep a stiff upper lip*

take heart, be encouraged, remain strong; see suffer 3.

smack one's lips

express satisfaction, enjoy, be delighted; see appreciate 1.

lip Usage Examples

Object

  • mussel: Some people take extract of green lipped mussel and some people swear by glucosamine and chondroitin.

Converse of object

  • quiver: Whip Me Cream is a more subtle, creamy shade that makes your quivering lips taste of sweet cream.
  • pout: His face bears high cheekbones with pouted lips, eyes almost almond in shape with a lean form like that of a wiry cat.
  • purse: Full, pursing lips, Waiting perhaps to open, to receive, not sure; Possibly venom to spit.
  • protrude: Head & Beak Square bulbous head ( particularly in old males ), slightly protruding upper lip.
  • tremble: Maybe a smile starts to tug at the girls trembling lips.
  • pucker: Remember to really put some effort into exhaling through your puckered lips.

Adjective modifier

  • cleft: Why are babies born with a cleft lip or cleft palate?
  • stiff: Being British does not mean being reserved, or having a " stiff upper lip " .
  • upper: Being British does not mean being reserved, or having a " stiff upper lip " .
  • parted: She listened with parted lips and shining eyes to my recital of our adventures.

Modifies a noun

  • balm: Give lips the kiss of life with a new protecting lip balm for men.
  • salve: Sun cream, insect repellent, lip salve, wet wipes, sewing kit.
  • sync: However, there has been absolutely no attempt to lip sync the characters ' voices, which is just the pits.
  • palate: Treatment that is any way related to tongue-tie or cleft lip palate.
  • synch: You really care about the characters, the script is intelligent, the voice acting excellent and the lip synch perfect ( for once!
  • spoiler: They include 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, an aerodynamic boot lip spoiler, extended side skirts and a front spoiler.

Noun used with modifier

  • pouty: Now after using the device for several months I can achieve really full, pouty lips when I want.
  • cleft: You note that Lily has a unilateral cleft lip and palate but is otherwise well.
  • everyones: Wendy's Chocolate Fountain Company UK Based in Berkshire Area Served South of England Put a smile and chocolate on everyones lips!
lip Quotes

He bit his lip in a manner which immediately awakened my maternal sympathy, and I helped him bite it.

—Perelman, S(ydney) J(oseph)

Now we lament one Who danced on a plume of words, Sang with a fountain's panache, Dazzled like slate roofs in sun After rain, was flighty as birds And alone as a mountain ash. The ribald, inspired urchin Leaning over the lip Of his world, as over a rock pool Or a lucky dip, Found everything brilliant and virgin.

—Day-Lewis, Cecil

In youth open your mind, And let all learning in; Words the head does not shape Are worthless, out and in. Words wit has not salted,No nearer the heart than the lip, Are nothing more than wind, A puppy's insolent yelp.

—Anonymous

But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,HetrustedontheL that hewoulddeliverhim: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.

—Bible (Old Testament)

When the care-wearied man seeks his mother once more, And the worn matron smiles where the girl smiled before, What moistens the lip and what brightens the eye? What calls back the past, like the rich Pumpkin pie?

—Whittier,John Greenleaf

Browse dictionary entries near lip

  1. ‹ Lions Club
  2. ‹ Lions
  3. ‹ lionize
  4. ‹ lionhearted
  5. ‹ lioness
  6. ‹ Lionel
  7. ‹ lion's share
  8. ‹ lion
  9. ‹ Linzer torte
  10. ‹ Linz
  1. lip gloss ›
  2. lip-read ›
  3. lip reading ›
  4. lip service ›
  5. lip-sync ›
  6. Lipari Islands ›
  7. lipase ›
  8. Lipchitz ›
  9. lipectomy ›
  10. Lipetsk ›