1 A2 neutral
To give small, sharp bites or pinches, typically repeatedly.
"The puppy kept nipping at my fingers during play."
inseparable
nip at
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To give small, sharp bites or pinches; or, figuratively, to be very close behind someone in a competition.
In plain English
To give little quick bites, or to be very close to catching or beating someone.
What does "nip at" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To be very close behind a leader or rival in a competition, putting pressure on them.
"The challenger is nipping at the champion's heels after winning three consecutive races."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
Of cold or wind, to cause a sharp, biting sensation on skin.
"A bitter frost nipped at our faces as we walked home."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To pinch or bite at something — fairly transparent in its literal sense.
Actually means
To give little quick bites, or to be very close to catching or beating someone.
Usage tip
Used literally of animals nipping at heels or hands, and figuratively in competitive contexts (e.g. 'rivals are nipping at their heels'). The phrase 'nip at someone's heels' is a fixed expression meaning to be a close competitor.
Words that pair with "nip at"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
heels fingers ankles toes lead position
How to conjugate "nip at"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
nip at
I/you/we/they
3rd person
nips at
he/she/it
Past simple
niped at
yesterday
Past participle
niped at
have + pp
-ing form
niping at
continuous
Hear "nip at" in the wild
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Other ways to say "nip at"
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Keep exploring
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