gimp

1
[ gimp ]
See synonyms for gimp on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a flat trimming of silk, wool, or other cord, sometimes stiffened with wire, for garments, curtains, etc.

  2. a coarse thread, usually glazed, employed in lacemaking to outline designs.

Origin of gimp

1
First recorded in 1655–65; probably from Dutch gimp; further origin unknown

Words Nearby gimp

Other definitions for gimp (2 of 4)

gimp2
[ gimp ]

nounChiefly Northeastern U.S.
  1. spirit, vigor, or ambition: She didn't have the gimp to look for a better job.

Origin of gimp

2
First recorded in 1900–05; origin uncertain

Other definitions for gimp (3 of 4)

gimp3
[ gimp ]

noun
  1. a limp.

  2. Usually Disparaging and Offensive. a term used to refer to a person who limps or is lame.

verb (used without object)
  1. to limp; walk in a halting manner: a sprain that made her gimp for weeks.

Origin of gimp

3
An Americanism dating back to 1920–25; origin uncertain

usage note For gimp

When describing someone who is lame, gimp is used with disparaging intent and perceived as insulting. But within the disability community, it is sometimes a term of self-reference.

Other words from gimp

  • gimpy, adjective

Other definitions for gimp (4 of 4)

gimp4
[ jimp ]

adjectiveScot. and North England.
  1. a variant of jimp.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use gimp in a sentence

  • gimp and Frank got permission to pass the lock after about fifteen minutes.

    The Planet Strappers | Raymond Zinke Gallun

British Dictionary definitions for gimp (1 of 2)

gimp1

guimpe

/ (ɡɪmp) /


noun
  1. a tapelike trimming of silk, wool, or cotton, often stiffened with wire

Origin of gimp

1
C17: probably from Dutch gimp, of unknown origin

British Dictionary definitions for gimp (2 of 2)

gimp2

/ (ɡɪmp) /


noun
  1. US and Canadian offensive, slang a physically disabled person, esp one who is lame

  2. slang a sexual fetishist who likes to be dominated and who dresses in a leather or rubber body suit with mask, zips, and chains

Origin of gimp

2
C20: of unknown origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012