A zip joins two edges of fabric with a sliding fastener.
The idea
British English often says zip; American English commonly says zipper. Their plurals are zips and zippers.
Examples
- The zip on my bag is broken.
- Pull the zip up slowly.
- Her jacket has a silver zip.
- The zipper is stuck again.
- Open the zip on the small pocket.
- These boots have zippers at the sides.
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Watch out
Do not mistake zip for a button: a zip slides along two edges.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct word. In Britain: The ___ on this coat is open. (zip / button)
Show answer or example answer
zip
zip: The sentence uses the British singular.
Choose the correct word. In the US: My bag has a broken ___. (zipper / button)
Show answer or example answer
zipper
zipper: The American term names the same fastener.
Choose the correct word. The suitcase has two ___. (zips / zip)
Show answer or example answer
zips
zips: Two fasteners require the plural.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct word. In Britain: The ___ on this coat is open. (zip / button)
Choose the correct word. In the US: My bag has a broken ___. (zipper / button)
Choose the correct word. The suitcase has two ___. (zips / zip)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe a zip on a bag or a piece of clothing.