noun
gib
GIHB
Gib (noun) means a castrated male cat. Example: “The old tomcat had been a gib for years.”
noun
1
A castrated male cat.
"The old tomcat had been a gib for years."
2
A metal or wood strip used to hold a machine part in place, often adjustable.
"The mechanic tightened the gib to remove play in the slide."
How to use gib
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDepending on context, either a neutered male cat or a small adjustable strip used in machinery to hold a part steady.
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Word forms
- Plural
- gibs
- Third person singular
- gibs
- Past tense
- gibbed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old tomcat had been a _____ for years.
Etymology
Of unknown origin, first recorded in the 14th century. It may be shortened from Gilbert, the name of the cat in medieval fables such as Reynard the Fox and the Romaunt of the Rose.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “gib” mean?
The word “gib” means a castrated male cat. In plain terms, depending on context, either a neutered male cat or a small adjustable strip used in machinery to hold a part steady.
How do you pronounce “gib”?
“Gib” is pronounced GIHB (/ˈɡɪb/ in IPA).
How do you use “gib” in a sentence?
Here is “gib” used in a sentence: “The old tomcat had been a gib for years.”
What part of speech is “gib”?
“Gib” is a noun.
How many meanings does “gib” have?
“Gib” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a castrated male cat.
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