Nibble Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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nibble

[ˈnɪbəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

eating

To take small bites or snacks, especially in a leisurely or casual manner.

Synonyms

chew, gnaw, munch, sample.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
nibble	Used when taking small, gentle bites, usually of something that doesn't require much chewing. She nibbled on a piece of cheese during the meeting
gnaw	Used to describe persistent, often aggressive biting or chewing, usually on something tough. Can suggest frustration or anxiety. The dog gnawed on the bone for hours
munch	Used when someone is eating something with a loud, crunchy sound, often enthusiastically. He munched on popcorn while watching the movie
chew	Used when talking about the act of using teeth to break down food in the mouth before swallowing. Often implies thoroughness. Make sure to chew your food well before swallowing
sample	Used when trying a small amount of food or drink to taste it, often before deciding to have more. She sampled several wines before choosing the one she liked best

Examples of usage

I like to nibble on popcorn while watching movies.
She nibbled on the carrot sticks during the meeting.
Don't nibble on your food, just eat it.
The toddler nibbled at the sandwich.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

food

A small bite or snack.

Synonyms

bite, morsel, snack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
nibble	Use 'nibble' when referring to eating small amounts of food, often in a delicate or careful manner. She likes to nibble on cheese and crackers while she works The rabbit nibbled on the fresh lettuce
bite	'Bite' is more general and can refer to taking a single, often larger, mouthful of food. It can also imply aggression or force when not related to food. He took a big bite out of his sandwich Watch out, that dog might bite!
snack	'Snack' refers to a small meal eaten between main meals. It is often informal and can include a variety of foods. I usually have a healthy snack in the afternoon Kids love to snack on fruits and nuts
morsel	'Morsel' is used to describe a small piece of food, often one that is particularly tasty or a treat. She enjoyed every morsel of the gourmet chocolate Please, try a morsel of this delicious cake

Examples of usage

She offered me a nibble of her chocolate bar.
He took a nibble of the cheese before dinner.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Arts

Nibbling can often be associated with snacks rather than full meals, promoting lighter eating habits.
It’s common in social settings, where people might nibble on appetizers while chatting.
Some studies suggest that nibbling on healthy snacks can help maintain energy levels throughout the day.

Psychology

Nibbling can be a stress-related behavior, where individuals take small bites due to anxiety or nervousness.
It's often tied to mindless eating, where individuals are unaware of how much they consume during long activities like watching TV.
People may nibble as a way to savor food more slowly, leading to greater enjoyment and satisfaction.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'nibbles and bites' is commonly used in children's books and cartoons to describe light, playful eating.
In internet culture, 'nibbling' might refer to small, gentle comments made on social media rather than substantial inputs.
The idea of 'nibbling' on knowledge is sometimes used in educational contexts to describe learning in small, digestible pieces.

Animal Behavior

Many small animals, like rodents and rabbits, nibble as a way to consume their food while also keeping their teeth healthy.
Nibbles are often a part of foraging behavior, where animals take small amounts to test for safety and edibility.
In the wild, nibbling allows animals to avoid drawing too much attention to themselves from predators.

Origin of 'nibble'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Middle English 'niblen', meaning to chew or bite slowly.
It has roots in the Old English word 'nib', referring to the beak of a bird, suggesting a small, pecking action.
The word has been used since the late 14th century, originally describing how small animals eat.

The word 'nibble' originated in the late 15th century and is derived from Middle English 'nybble', which means to gnaw or bite. It is related to the Old English 'hnæbban' meaning to nibble or gnaw. Over time, the word has evolved to describe small bites or snacks, often enjoyed in a leisurely manner.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,309, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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25306 emancipate
25307 nibbled
25308 coupe
25309 nibble
25310 palpitation
25311 ungainly
25312 percolating
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