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

Verb

• peck
• pick

Noun

• bite
• morsel
• mouthful
• nugget
• taste
• tidbit
• titbit

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

Voles also may nibble on fruits or vegetables, leaving them on the stem. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 18 July 2024

These tadpoles seem to have found strength in numbers, swarming past attacks from water bugs and leeches to continue nibbling on food—and any other appealing organisms that passed by. —Liz Lindqwister, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2024

Noun

Later the group adjourned to landscape architect’s Edwina Von Gal’s waterfront home for nibbles and libations. —Nancy Kane, New York Daily News, 27 June 2024

Sit at the bar or at tables, the stage is mere feet from you, enjoy cocktails and nibbles. —Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2024

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

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