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| nib·ble [ níbb'l ] |
verb (past and past participle nib·bled, present participle nib·bling, 3rd person present singular nib·bles) |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive and intransitive verb take small quick bites: to take a series of small quick bites at something, or eat something in a series of small quick bites
  She nibbled an apple while she read.
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2. transitive and intransitive verb bite playfully and caressingly: to take gentle playful little bites at part of somebody's body as a form of caress
The lion cubs nibbled at each other playfully.
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3. intransitive verb reduce gradually: to reduce or wear away something gradually by taking a small amount at a time
These day-to-day expenses nibble away at our money.
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4. intransitive verb show mild interest: to show a tentative interest in something
Lower the price a little and the buyers will start to nibble.
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noun (plural nib·bles) |
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| Definition: |
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1. act of nibbling: a series of small quick or gentle bites at something
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2. tiny amount of food: a tiny amount of some type of food
(
informal
)
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3. expression of mild interest: an expression of tentative interest
I've been trying to make a sale all day but not a nibble so far.
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| [Early 16th century. Origin ?] |
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| nib·bler noun |
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