nibbled; nibbling
ˈni-b(ə-)liŋ 
1
a
: to bite gently
b
: to eat or chew in small bits
2
: to take away bit by bit
waves nibbling the shore
1
: to take gentle, small, or cautious bites
also
: snack
2
: to deal with something as if by nibbling
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
Katherine Whittaker, Saveur, 9 Oct. 2025
In the legendary revelation scene, Billy (Skeet Ulrich) and Stu (Matthew Lillard) passionately cling to each other, with Stu practically nibbling on Billy’s ear.
—Samantha Allen, Them., 7 Oct. 2025
Marci Robin, Allure, 2 Oct. 2025
Ethan Ampadu, a former team-mate of Adams’ at RB Leipzig, tried to defuse the fracas, but Jayden Bogle came over for a nibble too, before Stach, back on his feet, fired a riposte at the American.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nibble
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
My favorite place to enjoy them is Louis Cafe, where they’re tossed with parsley, onion, and red peppers—ideal for nibbling while people-watching and soaking up the live jazz that gives this new-school kafeneio, or café, its charm.
—Katherine Whittaker, Saveur, 9 Oct. 2025
In the legendary revelation scene, Billy (Skeet Ulrich) and Stu (Matthew Lillard) passionately cling to each other, with Stu practically nibbling on Billy’s ear.
—Samantha Allen, Them., 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
In one of her posts, Jenner even takes a nibble on her nails, which are long enough to just barely miss scratching her nose during the playful choreography.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 2 Oct. 2025
Ethan Ampadu, a former team-mate of Adams’ at RB Leipzig, tried to defuse the fracas, but Jayden Bogle came over for a nibble too, before Stach, back on his feet, fired a riposte at the American.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nibble
Cite this Entry
“Nibble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nibble. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share