dibs

plural noun

ˈdibz How to pronounce dibs (audio)
Synonyms of dibs
1
slang : money especially in small amounts
2
: claim, rights
I have dibs on that piece of cake.

Synonyms of dibs

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Examples of dibs in a Sentence

I get dibs on the front seat!
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The network would have first dibs on the first two games added to any package. — Eddie Pells, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2026 More than a hundred dibs complaints were lodged with 311 from the weekend. — Sara MacHi, CBS News, 1 Dec. 2025 Camilla, however, being the senior woman in the royal family, always has first dibs. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 19 Apr. 2026 Cardholders get access to exclusive perks, like discounts when shopping or first dibs on restaurants and experiences. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dibs

Word History

Etymology

short for dibstones jacks, from obsolete dib to dab

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dibs was in 1812

Phrases Containing dibs

Rhymes for dibs

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Browse Nearby Words

dibrom-
dibs
dibs on
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Cite this Entry

“Dibs.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dibs. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dibs

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dibs

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