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Definition of zippo

zippo

/ˈzɪp.oʊ/
zip · po
Plural:zippos
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zippo Lexical Profile

zippo Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American Nothing at all; zero or nil (used in informal and slang contexts).

Example

"After three hours of searching the archives, the investigators came up with zippo."

2

A reusable, windproof metal pocket lighter with a hinged flip-top lid (often capitalized as a trademark).

Example

"He snapped shut his silver Zippo and slipped it back into his coat pocket."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for zippo

• Nearby Words

zipline
ziplock
zipper
zippo
zippy
ziptop
zipwire

Word Origin & Etymology

As a slang term for 'nothing,' it emerged in 1960s American English as an elaboration of 'zip' (meaning zero) with the colloquial suffix '-o'. As a lighter, it was coined in 1932 by inventor George G. Blaisdell, who adapted the sound of the word 'zipper'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Zippo. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/zippo
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