dibs
dibs Lexical Profile
dibs Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An informal declaration of the right to choose, claim, or use something before others, typically preceded by verbs like "call" or "have" and followed by "on."
"My sister called dibs on the front passenger seat before we even walked out the door."
British Small sums of money or cash, or a share of proceeds (now largely dated or regional).
"Once he pays up the dibs he owes me, we can settle the remainder of the bill."
British A traditional children's game played by tossing and catching small pebbles or sheep knucklebones, similar to jacks.
"The children sat on the stone steps playing a lively game of dibs."
• interjection
Used in informal speech to immediately claim the exclusive right to have, choose, or use something before anyone else.
"Dibs on the last slice of pepperoni pizza!"
• Rhymes for dibs
Word Origin & Etymology
Originating in the early 20th century, the term likely evolved from "dibstone," an older English children's game played with sheep knucklebones or pebbles, where calling "dibs" meant claiming a share of the pieces.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.