Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

first dibs

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.83 in modern English

Syllables: first dibs
IPA

15

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

1

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The first choice, a preference (on something).

Uncountable

Example Sentences

"The boss insisted on having first dibs on the best parking space."

Etymology

From dibs (“the right to use something before anyone else”); see further etymology there.

Usage

Uncountable

Phrases

first come first served

Frequently Paired Words

first come first served

Questions

What does first dibs mean?: The first choice, a preference (on something).
Where does first dibs come from?: From dibs (“the right to use something before anyone else”); see further etymology there.

How to pronounce first dibs

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “first dibs”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
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Repeat and practice — Say “first dibs” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.