noun

dibs

dihbz

noun

An informal claim to have or use something before anyone else.

"I called dibs on the front seat before anyone else could."

intj

Used to declare such a claim.

""Dibs on the last slice!" she shouted, grabbing her fork."

How to Use Dibs

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn informal way of claiming something first, especially used by kids and casually among friends.

When to use it

Very informal; used mostly in speech, not formal writing.

Common pairings

call dibs dibs on

dibsed past tense, dibses singular

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I called _____ on the front seat before anyone else could.

Origin disputed; commonly traced to "dibstones," counters used in a children's game.

nibs