nib
nib Lexical Profile
nib Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The pointed end of a pen, which distributes the ink on the writing surface.
"The calligrapher carefully replaced the worn gold nib on her fountain pen before beginning the manuscript."
Small, crushed pieces of roasted cocoa beans, typically used in baking or confectionery (usually in the plural).
"She sprinkled crunchy cacao nibs over her morning oatmeal for an extra boost of antioxidants."
Scottish The bill or beak of a bird.
"The blackbird held a fat earthworm tightly in its yellow nib."
• verb
To furnish a pen with a point, or to mend, sharpen, or slit the point of a quill pen.
"The clerk paused his work to nib his goose-feather quill with a small penknife."
• Rhymes for nib
Word Origin & Etymology
Dating back to the late 16th century, 'nib' is a variant of 'neb', from Old English 'nebb', meaning 'beak, bill, or nose'.