jib
/d͡ʒɪb/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.79 in modern English
12
Scrabble Score
3
Letters
1
Syllables
3
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
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.
noun
Any of a variety of specialty triangular staysails set forward of the foremast.
noun
The projecting arm of a crane.
noun
A crane used for mounting and moving a video camera.
noun
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.
verb
To stop and refuse to go forward (usually of a horse).
Example Sentences
- "Release the line by pulling down and unfurl the jib by pulling on the two jibsheets."
- "Whipping around I saw Herman with a stunned expression on his jib."
- "“Who calls, who calls?” cried Essper; a shout was the only answer. There was no path, but the underwood was low, and Vivian took his horse, an old forester, across it with ease. Essper’s jibbed."
- "Then he got fever, and had to be carried in a hammock slung under a pole. As he weighed sixteen stone I had no end of rows with the carriers. They jibbed, ran away, sneaked off with their loads in the night—quite a mutiny."
- "The lama jibbed at the open door of a crowded third-class carriage. ‘Were it not better to walk?’ said he weakly."
- ""Where are we going?" she asked, jibbing capriciously in the descent."
Etymology
Attested since the 1660s, of uncertain origin. Perhaps related to jib (“shift or swing around”) (see below).
Origin
Word Breakdown
- Root: gijben, gibbe, gibba
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /d͡ʒɪb/
- British English: /d͡ʒɪb/