sib
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɪb/
US
- /ˈsɪb/
Description
- brother or sister
- one of the kids in a family
- family member
- close family relation
"Sib" is a friendly, casual short form of "sibling," meaning your brother or sister. It feels natural in text messages, social media posts, and relaxed conversation. You will often hear it in the plural, as in "I'm heading out with my sibs," when someone means a group of brothers and sisters. It is a small, warm word for the people who grew up with you and know your history better than almost anyone else.
"Sib" is an informal shortening of "sibling," used to mean a brother or sister. It is common in casual English, especially in texts, online posts, and easy conversation. Depending on the family and the context, it can also include half-siblings or step-siblings, because people often use it in the same broad way they use "sibling." The tone is relaxed and personal, and it often suggests closeness and shared experience.
The beauty of "sib" lies in how short and flexible it is. It removes some of the formality of "sibling" while also avoiding the gender-specific labels "brother" and "sister." That makes it a useful choice when someone wants to speak generally or casually. You might see it in an online name or in a caption such as, "So grateful for my sibs!"
You would not usually expect to find "sib" in a legal document or a formal essay, but it has a clear place in modern everyday English. It carries a mix of family connection and casual familiarity. It is a word for the people you might fight with over the last slice of pizza but still care about deeply: a tiny, three-letter nod to the bond of family.
Examples
- 1
School forms
The form asks whether the child has any sibs at the same school.
Usage
Common in forms and informal writing; sibs is more common than singular sib.
- 2
Family contact
My older sib lives abroad now, so we mostly talk by video call.
- 3
Medical history
Doctors sometimes ask whether any sibs have had the same condition.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- sibnoun