Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sharp, high-pitched cry or bark, especially one made by a dog.
2. Verb:
   • To emit a sharp, high-pitched cry or bark.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The small dog let out a startled yip when the door slammed.
  • We could hear the excited yips of the puppies from the backyard.
• Verb:
  • The fox will yip when it's calling to its pack.
  • The dog yipped in surprise when I stepped on its tail.

Advanced Usage

• Describing other sounds: While most commonly associated with dogs or canines, "yip" can sometimes be used informally to describe a similar sharp, high-pitched sound made by a person, often expressing sudden pain or surprise.
  • He yipped as the cold water hit his back.

Variants and Related Words

• Yapping (verb/noun): Similar to yipping, but often implies a series of quick, sharp, and sometimes annoying barks.
  • The neighbor's dog wouldn't stop yapping.
• Yelp (verb/noun): A very close synonym, also meaning a short, sharp cry, often of pain or alarm. "Yelp" is slightly more common for sounds of pain.
  • She let out a yelp when she stubbed her toe.

Synonyms

• Noun: yelp, bark, sharp cry.
• Verb: yelp, bark (in a high pitch).

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

Related Idioms

Noun

1. a sharp high-pitched cry (especially by a dog)

Verb

1. bark in a high-pitched tone
   • the puppies yelped