nibble

1 of 2

verb

nib·​ble ˈni-bəl 

nibbled; nibbling ˈni-b(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

1

a

: to bite gently

b

: to eat or chew in small bits

2

: to take away bit by bit

waves nibbling the shore

intransitive verb

1

: to take gentle, small, or cautious bites

also : snack

2

: to deal with something as if by nibbling

nibbler

ˈni-b(ə-)lər 

noun

nibble

2 of 2

noun

1

: an act of nibbling

2

: a very small quantity or portion (as of food)

also : snack

3

: a tentative expression of interest

Synonyms of nibble

Verb

• snack
• peck

Noun

• bite
• mouthful
• taste

Examples of nibble in a Sentence

Verb

We nibbled cheese and crackers.

We nibbled on some cheese and crackers before dinner.

Noun

He felt a nibble on his fishing line.

They served some delicious nibbles before dinner.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Not going full bore, as Jim said during Wednesday’s Morning Meeting, but nibbling. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026

At the event, some rugs were laid out on the grass in lieu of picnic blankets for guests to lounge on while nibbling on light bites; others were suspended from metal frames like tapestries. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 18 Sep. 2026

Noun

The menu is as unfussy as the dishes on it—divided into nibbles and small and large plates, all highlighted by Ottolenghi’s quintessential bright, citrusy Middle Eastern flavors. — Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Sep. 2026

On the menu at the restaurant will be dishes such as prime rib, a dry-aged burger, and oysters, all inviting its guests to rediscover their favorite nibbles. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

origin unknown

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing nibble

• nibble (away) at

Rhymes for nibble

• dibble
• dribble
• gribble
• kibble
• quibble
• scribble
• sibyl
• sybil

Kids Definition

nibble

verb

nib·​ble

ˈnib-əl

nibbled; nibbling

-(ə-)liŋ

: to bite or chew gently or bit by bit

nibble noun

nibbler

-(ə-)lər

noun