WordGarden.ionibble
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈɪbəl/
US
- /ˈnɪbəl/
Meanings
Verb
to eat or take small bites from something
to show cautious slight interest in an offer or opportunity
Noun
a small bite or small amount of food
a unit of digital information equal to four bits
Beyond the definition
Imagine a tiny mouse carefully taking small bites of cheese. That's what this word means. It is more than just one bite; it suggests gentle, light chewing. Animals often nibble on grass or leaves, and you might nibble on crackers while watching a movie. But it is not limited to food. You can also "nibble away" at a problem, meaning to make slow but steady progress by working on small parts of it. Think of it as dealing with a big task one small bite at a time.
To nibble means to take small bites from something, often in a gentle or careful way. It is often used to describe how animals eat: a rabbit might nibble on clover, or a hamster might nibble seeds. But people can nibble too. You might nibble on snacks throughout the day instead of having large meals, or gently nibble your partner's ear, if they enjoy that.
The word suggests gentleness and smallness. It is not a big, hungry bite; it is something more controlled and sometimes playful. "Nibbling" can also be used in a figurative way to describe slow, gradual change or progress. For example, "Inflation is nibbling away at people's savings" means that inflation is slowly reducing the money they have. Or, "She nibbled at the edges of the problem, trying to find a solution."
Unlike words like "devour" or "gorge," which suggest eating a lot and eating quickly, "nibble" implies a slower pace and small amounts. It can be about enjoying food in tiny bites, or about slowly working through a challenge, one small part at a time. So the next time you see someone eating in little bites, or feel that you are making slow but steady progress on a task, this is a good word to remember.
Examples
- 1
Child eating
The baby nibbled a piece of toast while we waited.
- 2
Light appetite
I was not very hungry, so I just nibbled at my salad.
- 3
Snack table
We put cheese and crackers on the table for people to nibble on.
- 4
Fishing
Something was nibbling at the bait, but the fish never took the hook.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Gradual reduction
The fees slowly nibbled away at our travel budget.
- Patternnibble away at + resource
reduce it little by little
- 6
Buyer interest
She sent the offer to three buyers, but she has not had a nibble yet.
- 7
Event snacks
There will be drinks and nibbles after the talk.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- nibblenounverb
Forms
- nibbling-ing formverbnoun
- nibblespluralnounverb
- nibbledpast tenseverbnoun