First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1whip
verb \ˈhwip, ˈwip\
: to hit (a person or animal) with a whip or with something that is like a whip
: to move (something) to a different position or remove (something) from a place quickly and forcefully
: to move quickly or forcefully
whippedwhip·ping
Full Definition of WHIP
transitive verb
1
: to take, pull, snatch, jerk, or otherwise move very quickly and forcefully <whipped out his gun — Green Peyton>
2
a (1) : to strike with a slender lithe implement (as a lash or rod) especially as a punishment (2) : spank b : to drive or urge on by or as if by using a whip c : to strike as a lash does <rain whipped the pavement>
3
a : to bind or wrap (as a rope or fishing rod) with cord for protection and strength b : to wind or wrap around something
4
: to belabor with stinging words : abuse
5
: to seam or hem with shallow overcasting stitches
6
: to overcome decisively : defeat
7
: to stir up : incite —usually used with up <trying to whip up a new emotion — Ellen Glasgow>
8
: to produce in a hurry —usually used with up <a sketch … an artist might whip up — New York Times>
9
: to fish (water) with rod, line, and artificial lure
10
: to beat (as eggs or cream) into a froth with a utensil (as a whisk or fork)
11
: to gather together or hold together for united action in the manner of a party whip
intransitive verb
1
: to proceed nimbly or quickly <whipping through the supper dishes — C. B. Davis>
2
: to thrash about flexibly in the manner of a whiplash <a flag … whipping out from its staff — H. A. Calahan>
— whip·per noun
— whip into shape
: to bring forcefully to a desired state or condition
See whip defined for English-language learners
See whip defined for kids
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Origin of WHIP
Middle English wippen, whippen; akin to Middle Dutch wippen to move up and down, sway, Old English wīpian to wipe
Related to WHIP
2whip
noun
: a long, thin piece of leather or similar material that is attached to a handle and that is used for hitting a person as punishment or to hit an animal (such as a horse) to make it move faster
: a member of a legislature (such as the U.S. Congress or the British Parliament) who is appointed by a political party to make sure that other members are present when votes are taken and that they do the things that they are expected to do
: a light dessert made by mixing together sweet ingredients
Full Definition of WHIP
1
: an instrument consisting usually of a handle and lash forming a flexible rod that is used for whipping
2
: a stroke or cut with or as if with a whip
3
a : a dessert made by whipping a portion of the ingredients <prune whip> b : a kitchen utensil made of braided or coiled wire or perforated metal with a handle and used in whipping
4
5
a : a member of a legislative body appointed by a political party to enforce party discipline and to secure the attendance of party members at important sessions b often capitalized : a notice of forthcoming business sent weekly to each member of a political party in the British House of Commons
6
: a whipping or thrashing motion
7
: the quality of resembling a whip especially in being flexible
See whip defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WHIP
14th century
WHIP[2] Defined for Kids
1whip
verb \ˈhwip, ˈwip\
whippedwhip·ping
Definition of WHIP for Kids
1
: to move, snatch, or jerk quickly or with force <She whipped out a camera.>
2
: to hit with something long, thin, and flexible
3
: to defeat thoroughly
4
: to beat into foam <whip cream>
5
: to cause a strong emotion (as excitement) in <The speaker whipped up the crowd.>
6
: to move quickly or forcefully <Flags whipped in the breeze.>
7
: to make in a hurry <I'll whip up dinner.>
2whip
noun
Definition of WHIP for Kids
1
: a long thin strip of material (as leather) used in punishing or urging on
2
: a dessert made by whipping part of the mixture
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