1 on the tip of one\'s tongue | Definition of on the tip of one\'s tongue

tip

verb (1)
\ ˈtip How to pronounce tip (audio) \
tipped; tipping

Definition of tip

 (Entry 1 of 10)

transitive verb

1 : overturn, upset usually used with over
2a : cant, tilt
b : to raise and tilt forward in salute tipped his hat

intransitive verb

1 : to become tipped : topple
2 : lean, slant
tip the scales
1 : to register weight tips the scales at 285 pounds
2 : to shift the balance of power or influence tipped the scales in favor of a declaration of war— S. F. Bemis

tip

noun (1)

Definition of tip (Entry 2 of 10)

1 : the act or an instance of tipping : tilt
2 chiefly British : a place for depositing something (such as rubbish) by dumping

tip

noun (2)

Definition of tip (Entry 3 of 10)

1 : the usually pointed end of something a pencil tip
2 : a small piece or part serving as an end, cap, or point
on the tip of one's tongue
1 : about to be uttered it was on the tip of my tongue to say exactly what I thought
2 : just eluding recall

tip

verb (2)
tipped; tipping

Definition of tip (Entry 4 of 10)

transitive verb

1a : to furnish with a tip
b(1) : to cover or adorn the tip of
(2) : to blend (furs) for improved appearance by brushing the tips of the hair with dye
2 : to affix (an insert) in a book often used with in
3 : to remove the ends of tip raspberries

tip

verb (3)
tipped; tipping

Definition of tip (Entry 5 of 10)

transitive verb

1 : to strike lightly : tap
2 : to give (something, such as a baseball) a glancing blow

tip

noun (3)

Definition of tip (Entry 6 of 10)

: a light touch or blow

tip

noun (4)

Definition of tip (Entry 7 of 10)

1 : a piece of advice or expert or authoritative information
2 : a piece of advance or confidential information given by one thought to have access to special or inside sources

tip

verb (4)
tipped; tipping

Definition of tip (Entry 8 of 10)

transitive verb

1 : to impart a piece of information or advice about or to often used with off
2 chiefly British : to mention as a likely candidate, prospective winner, or profitable investment : tout sense 1
tip one's hand or less commonly tip one's mitt
: to declare one's intentions or reveal one's opinions or resources the Justice Department wouldn't tip its hand by saying what its next move … would beNewsweek

tip

verb (5)
tipped; tipping

Definition of tip (Entry 9 of 10)

transitive verb

1 : to give a gratuity to
2 : give, present this crew has tipped you the black spot— R. L. Stevenson

intransitive verb

: to bestow a gratuity

tip

noun (5)

Definition of tip (Entry 10 of 10)

: a gift or a sum of money tendered for a service performed or anticipated : gratuity

Other Words from tip

Noun (2)

tipped \ ˈtipt How to pronounce tipped (audio) \ adjective

First Known Use of tip

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (1)

1673, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (3)

1567, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (3)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (4)

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (4)

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (5)