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noun

jib

jihb

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Jib (noun) means a triangular sail set at the front of a sailboat, ahead of the mainmast. Example: “She hauled in the jib as the wind picked up.”

noun

1

A triangular sail set at the front of a sailboat, ahead of the mainmast.

"She hauled in the jib as the wind picked up."

"A well-trimmed jib helps the boat point closer to the wind."

2

The long arm of a crane that extends outward to lift or move loads.

"The jib of the construction crane swung the steel beam into place."

How to use jib

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither a small sail at the bow of a boat, or the projecting arm of a crane.

Common pairings

hoist the jib crane jib jib sail

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: jibs
Third person singular: jibs
Past tense: jibbed

Test yourself on “jib” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She hauled in the _____ as the wind picked up.

Etymology

First recorded in the 1660s; the exact origin is unclear.

· First attested 1660

Class of 1660 jib joined the language around 1660.

dado huckleberry yacht

See the full Class of 1660 →

Frequently asked questions

What does “jib” mean?

The word “jib” means a triangular sail set at the front of a sailboat, ahead of the mainmast. In plain terms, either a small sail at the bow of a boat, or the projecting arm of a crane.

How do you pronounce “jib”?

“Jib” is pronounced jihb (/d͡ʒɪb/ in IPA).

How do you use “jib” in a sentence?

Here is “jib” used in a sentence: “She hauled in the jib as the wind picked up.”

What part of speech is “jib”?

“Jib” is a noun.

Where does the word “jib” come from?

The word “jib” dates back to around 1660. First recorded in the 1660s; the exact origin is unclear.

How many meanings does “jib” have?

“Jib” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a triangular sail set at the front of a sailboat, ahead of the mainmast.

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