dib

1 of 3

intransitive verb

ˈdib
dibbed; dibbed; dibbing; dibs
: to fish by letting the bait bob and dip lightly

dib

2 of 3

noun

"
plural -s
1
British
a
a dibs plural but singular in construction : the game of jacks
b
: a knucklebone or jack used in playing jacks
usually used in plural
2
dibs plural, slang : money especially in small amounts
3
dibs plural : claim, reservation, rights
used with on
I have dibs on that piece of cake

dib

3 of 3
"

variant of dub:3

Word History

Etymology

Intransitive verb

perhaps from obsolete dib to dab, pat, probably alteration of dab

Noun

short for dibstone

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near dib

Cite this Entry

“Dib.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dib. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!