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Definition of kibitz

kibitz

/ˈkɪb.ɪts/
kib · itz
Past Simple:kibitzed
•
Past Participle:kibitzed
•
Present Participle:kibitzing
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kibitz Lexical Profile

kibitz Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

North American To look on and offer unwelcome or unsolicited advice, especially at a card or board game.

Example

"The chess players asked the spectators in the back row not to kibitz during the match."

2

North American To speak informally and idly; to chat or banter.

Example

"We spent a pleasant afternoon on the porch, drinking coffee and kibitzing with our neighbors."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

kibbeh
kibble
kibbutz
kibitz
kibosh
kick
kickable

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 20th century from Yiddish 'kibitsen', which came from German 'kiebitzen' (to look over a cardplayer's shoulder), derived from 'Kiebitz' (the northern lapwing, a bird regarded in German folklore as an inquisitive meddler).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Kibitz. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 1, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/kibitz
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