nipple

Meaning

Noun

1. The projection of a mammary gland from which, on female therian mammals, milk is secreted.
2. The nipple (definition 1) and the areola together.
3. A mechanical device through which liquids or gases can be passed in a regulated manner.
4. An artificial nipple (definition 1) used for bottle-feeding infants.
5. Any small physical protrusion, such as the lumps on the F and J keys on computer keyboards.
6. Any small physical protrusion on an automotive, a machine part or any other part that fits into a groove on another part.
7. (historical) A perforated segment that fits into part of the breech of a muzzle-loading gun, on which the percussion cap is fixed.
8. (US) A short tube threaded at both ends, used as a connector.
9. An internally threaded piece which holds a bicycle spoke in place on the rim.
10. (humorous) A pointing stick.

Verb

1. (transitive) To fit (a baby's bottle, etc.) with a nipple.
2. (transitive) To give one's nipple to (a baby) to allow breastfeeding.

Synonyms

teat

breast

pap

tit

mamilla

mammilla

papilla

udder

mammary papilla

dug

knob

spot

female breast

pimple

protuberance

lump

titty

burner nozzle

nipple joint

shoulder nipple

close nipple

nipple of breast

connecting nipple

berry

acromastium

breast milk

breasts

bud

button

comforter

dap

doorknob

feeding bottle

grape

jet

milk

🥛

nipples

pacifier

pustule

socket

teats

Translations

mamelon

Brustwarze

pezón

capezzolo

tepel

mamilo

mugró

téton

Nippel

ρώγα

papilla

speen

Zitze

θηλή

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈnɪ.p(ə)l/

Etymology

Cognate with Old English: nypel

In summary

From earlier neple, nypil, neble, believed to be a diminutive of nib, neb (“tip, point”), equivalent to nib + -le. Compare Old English nypel (“elephant trunk”), formed analogously as "a protuberance from one's neb" .