Nipple
/ˈnɪp.əl/noun
The small projection from the surface of the breast or mammary gland through which milk is delivered.
Did you know?The word 'nipple' is derived from Old English and has roots that connect to words meaning 'to suck', linking it directly to nourishment and life itself.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*niplō
“A term referring to a small projection or teat.”
Old English
OE
nippel
“A term for a small projection, especially on a breast.”
Old High German
OHG
nippla
“A term for a nipple or teat.”
Middle English
ME
nipple
“Retained the meaning of small projection or breast projection.”
Modern English
English
nipple
“The standard term for the small projection from the breast.”