chipper

1 of 2

noun

chip·​per ˈchi-pər How to pronounce chipper (audio)
Synonyms of chippernext
: one that chips
a wood chipper

chipper

2 of 2

adjective

: sprightly sense 1

Synonyms of chipper

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Adjective

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Examples of chipper in a Sentence

Adjective My, you're looking chipper this morning. She greeted me in a chipper voice.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The second card is designed for outdoor use and includes can and bottle openers, a saw, a fire starter, a wood chipper, and even a fork. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 15 June 2026 After it was cut apart, the massive trunk and limbs were fed into a wood chipper and those chips will soon be scattered throughout Olmsted Parks across the city. — Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 May 2026
Adjective
The theme music is chipper as ever, and the circumstances have never been more dire. — Darren Franich, EW.com, 1 May 2020 The team writes for the that many of these cues are vocal, like the chipper whistles of dolphins or the haunting songs of humpback whales. — Katherine J. Wu, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Feb. 2020 See All Example Sentences for chipper

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

perhaps alteration of English dialect kipper lively

First Known Use

Noun

1590, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1806, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chipper was in 1590

Phrases Containing chipper

Rhymes for chipper

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Browse Nearby Words

Chippendale
chipper
chipper up
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chipper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chipper. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chipper

adjective
chip·​per
ˈchip-ər
: being in good health or spirits

More from Merriam-Webster on chipper

Nglish: Translation of chipper for Spanish Speakers

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