jib.
A triangular staysail set forward of the foremast. In a sloop (see image) the basic jib reaches back roughly to the level of the mast.
Meaning & usage
A triangular staysail set forward of the foremast. In a sloop (see image) the basic jib reaches back roughly to the level of the mast.
Any of a variety of specialty triangular staysails set forward of the foremast.
Where this word comes from
Attested since the 1660s, of uncertain origin. Perhaps related to jib (“shift or swing around”) (see below).
To shift, or swing around, as a sail, boom, yard, etc., as in tacking.
Where this word comes from
Attested since the 1680s (also spelled jibe and gybe), perhaps from Dutch gijben (a variant of gijpen (“to turn sails suddenly”), whence certainly the form jibe) or else from Danish gibbe (“jib, jibe”), related to Swedish gippa (“jib, jibe, jerk, make jump”). Compare also Middle High German gempeln (“to spring”), Swedish guppa (“to move up and down”), Swedish gumpa (“to jump, spring”). See jump.
The projecting arm of a crane.
A crane used for mounting and moving a video camera.
An object that is used for performing tricks while skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, in-line skating, or biking. These objects are usually found in a terrain park or skate park.
A person's face.
Where this word comes from
Attested since the 1660s, of uncertain origin, perhaps a shortening of gibbet.
To stop and refuse to go forward (usually of a horse).
To express reluctance; to balk.
Where this word comes from
Uncertain, perhaps related to jib (“shift or swing around”) (see above).
One who jibs or balks, refusing to continue forward.
A stationary condition; a standstill.
Where this word comes from
Uncertain, perhaps related to jib (“shift or swing around”) (see above).
Crystal meth.
The mouth, sometimes particularly the tongue, underlip, or tooth.
They needa’ watch they jibs.
Where this word comes from
From Middle English gibbe (“a swelling or protrusion in the body”), from Old French gibbe and/or Medieval Latin gibba (“hump”).
A first-year student at the University of Dublin.
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Definitions, grammatical labels, IPA, etymology and examples: Wiktionary contributors, extracted by Kaikki / Wiktextract. Adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0. Selected fields and authored examples are shown; third-party quotations and audio are omitted. See contributor history.
Last enriched 2026-09-10. Definitions are in English. Romanizations are shown when supplied by the source; syllable estimates are omitted for unsupported scripts.