Lips Definition Lips Definition 1

Lips (noun) — a part of human anatomy, located on the face and used to create a mouth. Lips are used for many things, from articulating sounds to tell people all you think about the world, to eating various foods you like. 

Lips are a popular metaphor or object in music, literature, social media, painting, and other forms, revealing a plethora of concepts. 

Part of speech:
Noun (countable)
Phonetic transcription (IPA):
/lɪps/
CEFR level:
A1
Word frequency:

How to Pronounce “Lips”?

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Tips for “lips” pronunciation: 

it reads as it is written, with a short i like in the word fit, so you can remember it easily.

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Examples: How to Use “Lips” in a Sentence?

Even if you are new to learning English and want to study the word “lips,” it is better to check some samples of real-world usage. Here are the most common examples you can find:

I need to put this red lipstick on my lips.

I know you are cold. Your lips are turning blue.

She tried to sell the lip balm she got from a friend.

Lips care routine is wild these days.

They barely touched a cup of coffee with their lips.

What Are Synonyms for the Word “Lips”?

Defining the meaning of “lips” also requires learning some alternative words that can help you get better at communication: academic, casual, work, and so on. That’s why we gathered them here:

Related nouns: mouth mouth’s edge

Synonyms (contextual): no because “lips” is a specific noun

Common collocations: shapely lips warm lips close lips

“Lips” Word Formation and Description in Context

Other parts of speech are widely connected to this term, and you rarely use it on its own. Here are some of the most popular expressions:

With adjectives: thin lips moist lips full lips

With verbs: bite lips kiss on lips touch lips

With nouns (noun + noun): lip gloss lipstick

Idioms and Phrases with “Lips”

Such phrases make you more fluent in English and allow you to add more spice to your texts or speaking. Here, you will find the most popular of them.

  • Pay lip service — means to approve some ideas but not really take any steps.

    Paying lip service will not bring results for this project.

  • On everyone’s lips – refers to the situation when a topic is widely discussed by all people.

      He told me that his marriage is on everyone’s lips.
  • Stiff upper lip — this expression indicates that a person is hiding their feelings.

      Her eyes looked sad, but she stiffened her upper lip when talking to me.

Test Your Knowledge of the Lips Meaning — Quiz Time!

You have learned some examples and even special phrases, so it is time for active recall with some engaging exercises. 

Type 1: True/false statements:
Choose the correct point:
1
Lips are very sensitive.
2
You can use your lips to make different sounds.
3
Lips are part of a human’s back.
Type 2: Right word order:
Put these messy phrases in the correct order:
1
lips
Don’t
lick
your
2
smile
lips
my
I
with
3
dry
are
The
lips
Type 3: Choose the correct option
Select the closest meaning in the context:
1
She was very upset. Her lower lip started to tremble. What does it mean?
2
Did you hear about this band? They are on everyone’s lips. What does this idiom mean?
3
She always pays our team lip service. What is “lip service” here?

Enjoy personalized learning!

“Lips” Word in Other Languages

To improve your memory and expand your understanding of various cultures and how word differs in them, we provide a short review of other popular languages:

Language Word for “Lips”
Flag Spanish Spanish   Labios
Flag French French   Lèvre
Flag German German   Lippe

Did You Know It? Fun Facts About “Lips”

Making English words more appealing to study with facts is one of the easiest ways to memorize them in the long run. Let’s get more entertained with some unusual facts that explain the meaning of “lips”:

  • Jovante Carter set the world record for covering the nose with the lower lip.

    It sounds incredible, and it is, according to the Guinness World Records, which stated that in 2023, a man from the USA held his breath for 1 minute and 2 seconds with covered nostrils by the lower lip.
  • Lips can reflect on someone’s health condition.

    You may observe a situation or even be in one when a child is playing in water or on the ground, and their parents say that their lips turn blue, which indicates that they are cold. In the same way, the white color of the lips can tell about anemia, and so on.
  • The first lip fillers are dated to the 1900s.

    Though it seems to have gained popularity in the last few years, in fact, such injections have been applied for many years, and only the liquid has changed, for example, from paraffin to hyaluronic.

Famous Quotes Featuring “Lips”

After you learn the basics, it is time to explore more variations of using the word “lips” that appear in literature, music, and other types of content. Let’s check some of the most popular:

  “Never imagined we’d end like this
Your name, forever the name on my lips. ”

— Taylor Swift

Explanation: This relationship reflection is all about the heartbreak, an unforeseen one, which the speaker never expected. The name that will stay forever on lips refers to the never-ending memory about this person.

  “The smile on my lips,
It will surely never die
As I’m waiting here for you
until you’re by my side.”

Freida Martinez

Explanation: This part of a poem tells a story about someone waiting for another human, with a smile and confidence that somehow, one day, they will be together. It is quite optimistic and heart-warming to know that such a connection can take place in a world.

  “So you sat and stared at my lips
And I could already feel your kiss.”

— Troye Sivan

Explanation: The quote from a song by a famous singer refers to the situation when people feel tension between them, and it is both nice and thrilling at the same time.