noun
dibs
dihbz
Dibs (noun) means an informal claim to have or use something before anyone else. Example: “I called dibs on the front seat before anyone else could.”
noun
1
An informal claim to have or use something before anyone else.
"He called dibs on batting first."
"Who's got dibs on the chips?"
"I called dibs on the front seat before anyone else could."
"I call dibs on the hammock!"
intj
1
Used to declare such a claim.
""Dibs on the last slice!" she shouted, grabbing her fork."
How to use dibs
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- dibses
- Past tense
- dibsed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I called _____ on the front seat before anyone else could.
Etymology
Origin disputed; commonly traced to "dibstones," counters used in a children's game.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for dibs
See all rhymes for dibs →Frequently asked questions
What does “dibs” mean?
The word “dibs” means an informal claim to have or use something before anyone else. In plain terms, an informal way of claiming something first, especially used by kids and casually among friends.
How do you pronounce “dibs”?
“Dibs” is pronounced dihbz (/dɪbz/ in IPA).
How do you use “dibs” in a sentence?
Here is “dibs” used in a sentence: “I called dibs on the front seat before anyone else could.”
What part of speech is “dibs”?
Depending on how it is used, “dibs” can be a noun and an intj.
How many meanings does “dibs” have?
“Dibs” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an informal claim to have or use something before anyone else.
