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

• beak
• bill
• neb

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

To finish the meal, don’t skip out on the Claridge’s chocolate, a combination of chocolate mousse, brownie, cocoa nib, caramel and hot chocolate sauce. —Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

Almond Sable Cookies with Cacao Nibs This vegan version of a rich, delicate, crumbly sable, the classic French cookie named for its tender texture, uses only a handful of ingredients, including coconut oil, almond meal, sugar, flour and cacao nibs. —Betty Hallock, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2025

Older readers of this article may have learned to write in such a way (guilty yer honor) – dipping the nib of a pen into an inkwell, and scratching out the words, hoping to have sufficient ink to complete a word, without picking up too much ink and smudging your masterpiece. —Mike Hanlon, New Atlas, 6 Mar. 2025

For dessert, there’s a housemade gelato featuring orange, custard and cacao nibs. —Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025

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