Definition of clipper

The word "clipper" originally referred to a horse-drawn carriage used for transporting mail and passengers in the United States during the 19th century. These carriages had streamlined bodies and lightweight frames, allowing them to travel at faster speeds than traditional carriages. The term "clipper" was then adapted to describe a type of fast-sailing merchant vessel that emerged in the mid-19th century. Similar to the clipper carriages, these ships had sleek lines and slim profiles that minimized wind resistance and allowed them to outperform larger, more common vessels. The name "clipper" was chosen to evoke the same sense of swiftness and efficiency associated with the horse-drawn carriages. The clipper ships played a significant role in the development of international trade, as they were faster and more efficient than previous vessels, enabling them to carry goods more quickly and cheaply between Europe and Asia, as well as between the eastern and western coasts of North America. Many of these ships also became famous for their record-breaking voyages, such as the clipper "Cutty Sark," which set a new record for the fastest passage from China to England in 1869. Today, the term "clipper" is still used to describe fast-moving vessels, although it is primarily associated with modern sailboats and high-speed vessels rather than traditional sailing ships. Nonetheless, the legacy of the clipper ships remains a symbol of innovation, speed, and technological advancement during the heyday of international maritime trade.