zip
word
Definition
A zip is the fastening on clothes or bags with two rows of teeth that open and close by sliding a small tab. As a verb, it means to close something with a zip, move very quickly, or compress computer files into a smaller form.
Usage & Nuances
Most commonly, 'zip' means the fastening on clothes and bags; in British English, 'zip' and 'zipper' are both used, while American English more often uses 'zipper' for the noun. Common patterns: 'do up your zip', 'zip your jacket up', 'zip by/past', and 'zip a file'. Don't confuse it with 'ZIP code', which is a postal code in the US.
Example Sentences
Please zip your bag before we leave.
basic
My coat has a broken zip.
basic
Can you zip this file and send it to me?
basic
A bike zipped past us before we could cross the street.
natural
Hold still—I can't zip your dress if you keep moving.
natural
I'll zip the photos into one folder and share the link.
natural