noun

jib

jihb

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

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."

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

Word forms

jibbed past tense, jibbed past tense, jibs plural, jibs plural, jibs plural, jibs plural, jibs plural, jibs singular, jibs singular

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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

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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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Words that end with B