# nipple

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈnɪ.p(ə)l/ · frequency rank #16,081

## Definitions
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. A perforated segment that fits into part of the breech of a muzzle-loading gun, on which the percussion cap is fixed.
8. 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. A pointing stick.

## Etymology
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" .

## Easily confused with
- **Nippon** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/nipple-vs-nippon)
- **Nile** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/nile-vs-nipple)
- **Nicole** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/nicole-vs-nipple)
- **nimble** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/nimble-vs-nipple)
- **nibble** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/nibble-vs-nipple)

## Common misspellings (7)
`inpple`, `niple`, `niplpe`, `nippel`, `nipplle`, `nnipple`, `npiple`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/nipple