pip Definition

pip¹
noun

1. The small seed of a fruit such as an apple, pear, orange or grape.

Derivative: pipless
adj

Derivative: pippy
adj

Etymology: 18c: shortening of pippin sense 2.

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pip²
noun

1. One of a series of short high-pitched signals on the radio, telephone, etc.
2. colloq
The six pips broadcast as a time-signal by BBC radio, made up of five short ones and one long one which marks the start of the new minute and hour.
Form: the pips

Etymology: Early 20c: imitating the sound.

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pip³
verb

pipped, pipping
1. To defeat someone narrowly.

Idiom: pipped at the post

colloq
Overtaken narrowly in the closing stages of a contest, etc.

Etymology: Late 19c: from pip¹ or pip⁴.

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pip⁴
noun

1. One of the emblems or spots on playing-cards, dice or dominoes.
2. military.
In the British army: a star on a uniform indicating rank.
Example: got his second pip last month
3. On a radar screen: a mark, eg a spot of light, that indicates the presence of an object.
4. bot.
The single blossom or corolla in a cluster.

Etymology: 17c, originally as peep.

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pip⁵
noun

1. old use
A disease of poultry and other fowl.

Idiom: give someone the pip

colloq
To irritate them.

Etymology: 15c as pippe: Dutch, perhaps ultimately from Latin pituita rheum or mucus.