jib

1 of 3

verb

ˈjib How to pronounce jib (audio)
jibbed; jibbing

intransitive verb

: to refuse to proceed further : balk
jibber noun

jib

2 of 3

noun (1)

: a triangular sail set on a stay extending usually from the head of the foremast to the bowsprit or the jibboom
also : the small triangular headsail on a sloop see sail illustration

jib

3 of 3

noun (2)

1
: the projecting arm of a crane
2
: a derrick boom

Examples of jib in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Then to jib down and find that sad ignominy of his body in the sack with the bloodstain. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025 The chair also gives way to Bandit Park, Kirkwood’s mellower terrain park, where our snowboard testers spent countless hours jibbing playful rails and hitting small- to medium-sized jumps. — Drew Zieff, Outside, 21 Nov. 2025
Noun
Back home, young Dan watched the show live on TV, scanning the screen for his dad’s camera jib (or crane). — Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026 After Jib-jib moved in with the family, however, his heart murmur went away. — Idaho Statesman, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jib

Word History

Etymology

Verb

probably from jib to shift from one side of a ship to the other, perhaps from jib entry 2

Noun (1)

origin unknown

Noun (2)

probably by shortening & alteration from gibbet

First Known Use

Verb

1811, in the meaning defined above

Noun (1)

1661, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1764, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of jib was in 1661

Phrases Containing jib

Rhymes for jib

See All Rhymes for jib

Browse Nearby Words

Jiaozhou
jib
jibaro
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jib.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jib. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

jib

noun
ˈjib
: a triangular sail set on a line running from the bow to the head of the foremast

More from Merriam-Webster on jib

Nglish: Translation of jib for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about jib

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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