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

• beak
• bill
• neb

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

The ginger snap is delightfully reminiscent of a gingerbread cookie with the addition of blackstrap molasses, ginger, and clove, while the coco-coconut is rich and nutty with shredded coconut and cacao nibs. —Carina Finn, Bon Appétit, 2 Aug. 2024

The nib occupies a cosy space between firm and malleable, which makes light work of achieving a knife-edge flick. —Venus Wong, refinery29.com, 17 Apr. 2024

The Best of Beauty Award winner is practically a toolbox for your arches, including a mini toothbrush for fluffing, a slanted nib for defining, long and short spoolies for taming, and a tiny spatula for at-home lifting and laminating (if that’s your jam). —Anamaria Glavan, Allure, 11 June 2024

Low lighting protects the turtles, and the menu offers only seasonal choices, including gluten-free breadfruit pancakes that promise to be the next Manhattan superfood craze, with chocolate nib tapenade as a sweet treat. —Catherine Fairweather, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of neb

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

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