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

Next, Butac arranges a bunch of the beans on two trays and roasts them for a specific amount of time before separating the shells from the beans and then running the bean fragments, also known as nibs, through a mill. —Ari Daniel, NPR, 10 May 2026

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

Signature menu items include the Superfood Bowl — featuring acai, pitaya, almond milk, organic granola, cacao nibs and goji berries. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2026

That includes the Nibby Toffee, complete with nutty Zorzal Comunitario and Dominican Republic cocoa nibs for that extra crunch; Orange Walnut Toffee, which lets candied California orange shine; and a fun Black Sesame Toffee Brittle for a thin, crispy finale. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 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