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 team uses transparent ink to ensure that each pen’s solid gold nib delivers the proper flow and writes smoothly. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026

Inside, the line wraps around the room, and cups everywhere are filled with fluffy mounds of Greek yogurt crowned with fresh fruit, nuts, dark chocolate cacao nibs and other ingredients. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Look for raw cocoa nibs, as the roasting process can reduce their antioxidant content. — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2026

There are three caffeine strengths to choose from — Single Shot, Double Shot and Triple Shot, for the biggest buzz — and several different flavors, like cardamom, cacao nib and coconut. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 8 Sep. 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