1
: bill, beak
2
a
: the sharpened point of a quill pen
b
: pen point
also : each of the two divisions of a pen point
3
: a small pointed or projecting part

Examples of nib in a Sentence

a finch cracking seeds in its nib make sure the nib has been sharpened before you try to cut anything
Recent Examples on the Web The ginger snap is delightfully reminiscent of a gingerbread cookie with the addition of blackstrap molasses, ginger, and clove, while the coco-coconut is rich and nutty with shredded coconut and cacao nibs. Carina Finn, Bon Appétit, 2 Aug. 2024 The nib occupies a cosy space between firm and malleable, which makes light work of achieving a knife-edge flick. Venus Wong, refinery29.com, 17 Apr. 2024 The Best of Beauty Award winner is practically a toolbox for your arches, including a mini toothbrush for fluffing, a slanted nib for defining, long and short spoolies for taming, and a tiny spatula for at-home lifting and laminating (if that’s your jam). Anamaria Glavan, Allure, 11 June 2024 Low lighting protects the turtles, and the menu offers only seasonal choices, including gluten-free breadfruit pancakes that promise to be the next Manhattan superfood craze, with chocolate nib tapenade as a sweet treat. Catherine Fairweather, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nib 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nib.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of neb

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of nib was in 1583

Dictionary Entries Near nib

Cite this Entry

“Nib.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nib. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

nib

noun
1
2
: the point of a pen
3
: a part that is pointed or sticks out

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