nib

noun

ˈnib 

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

Synonyms of nib

• mouth
• beak
• muzzle
• mandible
• bill

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 best part, of course, is sampling cacao nibs, loads of fresh fruit and nuts, as well as honey, along the way. — Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 25 Feb. 2026

The scrape of the nib on the page—tactile, rhythmic—induces a meditative state in which, one hopes, the words will flow. — The Atlantic, 19 Nov. 2025

Each fountain pen is fitted with an 18-karat gold nib and is individually signed by the artist. — Nancy Olson, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026

Chia pudding is an excellent source of magnesium and fiber and can be topped with other blood pressure-friendly ingredients, like cacao nibs and berries. — Jillian Kubala, Health, 11 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of neb

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Rhymes for nib

• bib
• bibb
• crib
• gib
• glib
• jib
• lib
• mib
• rib
• sib
• squib
• imatinib

Kids Definition

nib

noun

ˈnib 

1

: bill entry 1 sense 1, beak

2

: the point of a pen

3

: a part that is pointed or sticks out