zipper

Meanings

1. 1nouncountableAmerican

   A fastener with two rows of small teeth that lock together when you pull a sliding tab, used on clothes, bags, and similar items.

   Grammar: Countable: a zipper, two zippers. In British English the usual word is 'zip'.

   Patterns

   • pull the zipper
   • zip the zipper
   • the zipper is stuck

   The zipper on my jacket broke, so I can't close it.

   She pulled the zipper up and put on her backpack.

   This bag has a zipper on the inside pocket.

2. 2verbtransitive or intransitiveAmerican

   To fasten something with a zipper, or to close or open it using a zipper.

   Grammar: Can take an object ('zipper your coat') or not ('the dress zippers easily'). Often used with 'up'.

   Patterns

   • zipper something up
   • zipper up
   • zipper something

   He zippered his jacket up before going outside.

   The sleeping bag zippers on the side.

Word forms

Common combinations

pull the zipper

Pull the zipper gently so it doesn't jam.

zipper is stuck

My zipper is stuck and I can't get it down.

zip up a zipper

He zipped up the zipper on his tent.

metal zipper

The jeans have a metal zipper.

zipper pocket

Keep your keys in the zipper pocket.

Synonyms and how they differ

zip

The usual British word for the same object; in American English 'zip' is more often a verb or a short form in compounds.

fly

Refers specifically to the opening on the front of trousers, not to the fastener itself.

fastener

A general word for any device that closes something; 'zipper' is a type of fastener.

Word family

zippered adjective

Having a zipper: a zippered bag.

unzip verb

To open something by pulling a zipper.

zip verb

To fasten with a zipper, often with 'up'.

Commonly confused: zipper or zip code?

Practice

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