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1

nibble

play
verb nib·ble \ˈni-bəl\

Definition of nibble

nibbled

;

nibbling

play \ˈni-b(ə-)liŋ\
  1. transitive verb

  2. 1a :  to bite gentlyb :  to eat or chew in small bits

  3. 2 :  to take away bit by bit waves nibbling the shore

  4. intransitive verb

  5. 1 :  to take gentle, small, or cautious bites; also :  snack

  6. 2 :  to deal with something as if by nibbling

nibbler

play \ˈni-b(ə-)lər\ noun

See nibble defined for English-language learners

See nibble defined for kids

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Examples of nibble in a Sentence

  1. We nibbled cheese and crackers.

  2. We nibbled on some cheese and crackers before dinner.

Origin and Etymology of nibble

origin unknown


First Known Use: 15th century

nibble Synonyms

Synonyms
peck, pick
Related Words
graze, nosh, snack; taste
Near Antonyms
gorge, gormandize, overeat, pig out, swill
2

nibble

noun nib·ble

Definition of nibble

  1. 1 :  an act of nibbling

  2. 2 :  a very small quantity or portion (as of food); also :  snack

  3. 3 :  a tentative expression of interest

See nibble defined for English-language learners

Examples of nibble in a Sentence

  1. He felt a nibble on his fishing line.

  2. They served some delicious nibbles before dinner.

Circa 1525

First Known Use of nibble

circa 1525

nibble Synonyms

Synonyms
bite, mouthful, morsel, nugget, taste, tidbit (also titbit)
Related Words
collop, medallion, noisette; nosh, snack; appetizer, canapé, hors d'oeuvre; bit, chew, crumb, dab, dribble, driblet, fleck, hint, mote, nubbin, particle, pinch, scrap, scruple, shred, smidgen (also smidgeon or smidgin or smidge), snip, snippet, speck, spot, sprinkling, suspicion, tittle, touch, trace; dash, drop; lap, lick; gulp, swallow, swig

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

Phrases Related to NIBBLE

Related Phrases

NIBBLE Defined for English Language Learners

nibble

play
verb

Definition of nibble for English Language Learners

  • : to eat slowly or with small bites

  • : to bite (something) very gently

nibble

noun

Definition of nibble for English Language Learners

  • : a small bite

  • : an expression of interest in something

  • nibbles : small things to eat before a meal or at a party : snacks or appetizers

NIBBLE Defined for Kids

1

nibble

play
verb nib·ble \ˈni-bəl\

Definition of nibble for Students

nibbled

;

nibbling

  1. :  to bite or chew gently or bit by bit

2

nibble

play
noun nib·ble

Definition of nibble for Students

  1. :  a very small amount

Learn More about nibble

  1. See words that rhyme with nibble Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for nibble Spanish Central: Translation of nibble Nglish: Translation of nibble for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of nibble for Arabic speakers

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Examples: nibble in a Sentence