WordGarden.ionib
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈɪb/
US
- /ˈnɪb/
Meanings
Noun
the pointed metal tip of a pen that puts ink on paper
a small piece of crushed cacao bean used as an ingredient
Beyond the definition
Most often, this word means the tip of a pen, especially a fountain pen or a dip pen. It is the small metal point that touches the paper and controls how the ink flows. If you enjoy chocolate, you may also know cacao nibs, which are small broken pieces of roasted cacao beans with a rich, bitter taste.
In a broader sense, the word can also mean a small point, piece, or projection. It has also been used for a bird's beak. Whether you are writing a letter or sprinkling cacao pieces on yogurt, the idea is usually the same: something small, pointed, or broken off from a larger whole.
The word "nib" is small, but it shows up in a few clear and useful ways. Most commonly, it means the tip of a pen, especially on a fountain pen, dip pen, or similar writing tool. This is the part that meets the paper and shapes the line, so people who care about handwriting or calligraphy often pay close attention to it. A fine nib, a broad nib, and a flexible nib can all change the look of the writing.
The word also appears in food. Cacao nibs are small pieces of roasted and broken cacao beans. They are crunchy, dark, and a little bitter, and people add them to yogurt, granola, baked goods, or smoothies for texture and strong chocolate flavor.
Beyond those common uses, "nib" can mean a small point, tip, or projection on an object. In older or more specialized usage, it can also mean a bird's beak. These meanings are connected by the same basic picture: a small pointed part, or a small piece taken from something larger.
Examples
- 1
Pen part
The fountain pen left thick lines because it had a broad nib.
- 2
Pen care
Don't press too hard, or you might bend the nib.
- 3
Calligraphy
She replaced the worn nib before starting the calligraphy lesson.
- 4
Food topping
He sprinkled cocoa nibs over the ice cream for a bitter crunch.
See also
Similar
- pen point
- writing tip
Shades of meaning
- point
- stylus tip
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- fountain pen nib
- fine nib
- broad nib
- replace the nib
Word family
Explore
- fountain pen
- calligraphy
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- nibnounverb
Forms
- nibspluralnounverb
- nibbedpast tenseverbnoun
- nibbing-ing formverbnoun