What does "jib" mean?
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.
Jib
noun, verb, slang
noun, verb, slang ·1 syllable ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: 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.
- Grammar: jib is listed as noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: adjust, argue, avert, avoid.
- Useful contrasts: accept, agree, base arm.
- Usage evidence: Using the rudder and the jib with the wind behind it we backed up, turning the bow to the direction we wanted to go.
How to use "jib"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "jib" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "jib" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "jib" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "jib" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "jib" is acting as noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "adjust" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "jib", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 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.
"Release the line by pulling down and unfurl the jib by pulling on the two jibsheets."
- 2 The projecting arm of a crane.
- 3 One who jibs or balks, refusing to continue forward.
- 4 Crystal meth. slang, uncountable
- 5 The mouth, sometimes particularly the tongue, underlip, or tooth. slang
"They needa’ watch they jibs."
Show 7 more definitions
- 6 A first-year student at the University of Dublin. Ireland, archaic, slang
"Forgetting that the jibs, whom they insulted, were afterwards to grow into the influential men […]"
- 7 any triangular fore-and-aft sail (set forward of the foremast) wordnet
- 8 Any of a variety of specialty triangular staysails set forward of the foremast. usually
- 9 A crane used for mounting and moving a video camera. metonymically
- 10 A stationary condition; a standstill.
- 11 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.
- 12 A person's face. slang
"Whipping around I saw Herman with a stunned expression on his jib."
Verb
- 1 To shift, or swing around, as a sail, boom, yard, etc., as in tacking.
- 2 To stop and refuse to go forward (usually of a horse).
"“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."
- 3 shift from one side of the ship to the other wordnet
- 4 To stop doing something, to become reluctant to proceed with an activity. figuratively
"“What say you to the young lady herself?” said Craigengelt; “the finest young woman in all Scotland, one that you used to be so fond of when she was cross, and now she consents to have you, and gives up her engagement with Ravenswood, you are for jibbing. I must say, the devil’s in ye, when ye neither know what you would have nor what you would want.”"
- 5 refuse to comply wordnet
Example
"Using the rudder and the jib with the wind behind it we backed up, turning the bow to the direction we wanted to go."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "jib"?
Common synonyms include: adjust, argue, avert, avoid, back down, balance.
How do you use "jib" in a sentence?
Using the rudder and the jib with the wind behind it we backed up, turning the bow to the direction we wanted to go.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Attested since the 1660s, of uncertain origin. Perhaps related to jib (“shift or swing around”) (see below).
Etymology 2
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.
Etymology 3
Attested since the 1660s, of uncertain origin, perhaps a shortening of gibbet.
Etymology 4
Uncertain, perhaps related to jib (“shift or swing around”) (see above).
Etymology 5
From Middle English gibbe (“a swelling or protrusion in the body”), from Old French gibbe and/or Medieval Latin gibba (“hump”).