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nibble

Elementary (A2)

IPA: /ˈnɪbəl/

KK: /ˈnɪbəl/

intransitive verb
Definition

To take small bites of food or to eat something in a careful or gentle way.


Example

The rabbit began to nibble on the fresh carrots in the garden.


Tense Forms

Past: nibbled

Past Participle: nibbled


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you seen the fish in the pond?
Sloth B
Yeah, I noticed they like to nibble at the bread we throw in.
Sloth A
It's so cute to watch them nibble away.
Sloth B
I know right? It makes feeding them so much fun!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bite
chew
snack
Antonyms
gorge
devour
wolf
noun
Definition

A very small amount of food that you can eat in one bite, or the action of taking small bites.


Example

She took a nibble of the cookie before deciding to eat the whole thing.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you try that new bakery down the street?
Sloth B
Not yet, but I've heard their pastries are amazing.
Sloth A
I just had a nibble of one, and it was delicious!
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To take small bites of something, usually in a gentle or careful way.


Example

She likes to nibble on carrots while watching TV.


Tense Forms

Past: nibbled

Past Participle: nibbled


Conversation
Sloth A
I brought some snacks for our movie night, want to nibble on some popcorn?
Sloth B
Sure! I love popcorn, especially when it's fresh.
Sloth A
Great! Just don't nibble too loudly, or we'll miss the best parts of the film.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Nibble → The word originates from Middle English 'niblen', meaning to bite or chew gently. It is related to the Old English 'nibban', which also means to bite or nibble. The word describes the action of taking small bites or bites gently.

Memory Tip

Think of gently 'biting' or 'chewing' — that's what nibbling means, as it comes from the idea of taking small bites.

Visually Confused Words
snibble
snibbler
snibbled
unible
ribble
nubble
nobble
nimble
Is this page helpful?
I can't wait to go and grab a whole one.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
morsel
bite
snack
Antonyms
feast
glut
surfeit
Haha, I'll try to keep it quiet, but no promises!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bite
chew
munch
Antonyms
gobble
devour
swallow