a code of letters and digits added to a postal address to aid in the sorting of mail
"Make sure you include your zip code on the envelope so the post office can sort it correctly."
a fastener for locking together two toothed edges by means of a sliding tab
"She struggled to pull up her jacket because the zipper had gotten stuck halfway down."
The high-pitched sound of a small object moving rapidly through air.
"I need to download that large video and compress it into a zip file so it's easier to email to my friends."
Ellipsis of zip code.
A zip code.
A zip file.
In plain English: A zip is a small metal piece with two strips of fabric that you pull together to open and close clothing.
"The jeans had a broken zipper that wouldn't close."
To close with a zip fastener.
"She quickly zipped up her jacket before stepping out into the cold wind."
In plain English: To zip something means to move it very quickly, often by closing it with a zipper.
"She zipped up her jacket before stepping out into the cold wind."
Usage: Use this verb when describing the action of closing or opening clothing, bags, or cases that have a zipper mechanism. It is often paired with prepositions like up to indicate closure and down to indicate opening.
Imitative of high-pitched sound of a small object moving rapidly through air.
"The arrow zipped past my ear as it flew toward the target."
Initialism of Zone Improvement Plan. (see ZIP Code)
"The delivery driver asked me to confirm my five-digit zip code before he could route the package correctly."
Derived from the onomatopoeic sound of something moving quickly, it entered English in the early 20th century to describe rapid motion or a sharp noise. The term was popularized by Charles Lindbergh's description of his plane's speed and later applied to fasteners like zippers.