FluencyCraft

zip

"Zip" is a lively, versatile word with several common meanings. It can be a noun, a verb, and even an adjective. Here are the most useful senses you'll encounter.

1nounfastener

A zip (also called a zipper, especially in American English) is the sliding fastener you find on jackets, bags, and trousers. It has two rows of small teeth that lock together when you pull a small tab along them.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

The zip on my jacket is broken, so I can't close it properly.

She pulled the zip of her bag open and took out her phone.

Make sure the zip on your coat is all the way up — it's cold outside!

2verbto fasten with a zip

When you zip something, you close or open it using a zip fastener. You can zip up a bag, a jacket, or a tent, for example.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

Can you zip up my dress? I can't reach the back.

He zipped his suitcase shut and headed to the airport.

Zip your coat before you go outside.

3verbfigurativeto move very fast

When something or someone zips somewhere, they move very quickly — almost like a flash. Think of a small car zipping through traffic, or a bee zipping past your ear.

everyday language · Modern, widely used · figurative

A motorbike zipped past us on the highway.

She zipped through her homework in twenty minutes.

The children zipped around the playground, full of energy.

4nounfigurativenothing / zero

In informal American English, 'zip' can mean absolutely nothing or zero. If someone asks what you got on a test and you say 'zip', it means you got nothing at all.

everyday language, informal · Modern, informal American English · figurative

I searched everywhere for my keys but found zip.

He knew zip about cooking before he took the class.

We scored zip in the first half of the game.

5verbto compress a computer file

In computing, when you zip a file, you compress it — you make it smaller so it takes up less space or is easier to send by email. The result is usually a '.zip' file.

computing / technology · Modern, widely used

Please zip the folder before sending it to me.

I zipped all the photos into one file to share them easily.

The software automatically zips large files to save storage space.

6nounpostal code (ZIP code)

In the United States, a ZIP code is the number used in a postal address to identify a specific area or city. 'ZIP' actually stands for 'Zone Improvement Plan'. You will often see this on American forms and addresses.

postal system / everyday language (US) · Modern, widely used in the US

Please enter your ZIP code to find the nearest store.

The ZIP code for New York City starts with 100.

I forgot to write the ZIP code on the envelope.

Content generated by AI — may contain inaccuracies