IPA: /ˈnɪbəl/
KK: /ˈnɪbəl/
To take small bites of food or to eat something in a careful or gentle way.
The rabbit began to nibble on the fresh carrots in the garden.
Past: nibbled
Past Participle: nibbled
A very small amount of food that you can eat in one bite, or the action of taking small bites.
She took a nibble of the cookie before deciding to eat the whole thing.
To take small bites of something, usually in a gentle or careful way.
She likes to nibble on carrots while watching TV.
Past: nibbled
Past Participle: nibbled
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.
Think of gently 'biting' or 'chewing' — that's what nibbling means, as it comes from the idea of taking small bites.