The tip of a pen or tool that touches the surface, transferring ink to paper.
"She replaced the worn nib on her fountain pen so it would write smoothly again."
In plain English: A nib is the small metal tip at the end of a pen that holds ink and lets you write on paper.
"She broke off the plastic nib from her pen so she could write more comfortably."
Usage: The term refers specifically to the writing point itself rather than the entire pen body; avoid using "nib" as a verb unless describing the act of attaching or fitting that specific tip.
To fit (a pen) with a nib.
"The stationer carefully fitted a new gold nib to the fountain pen before handing it over."
In plain English: To nib means to take small bites of food, usually by taking tiny pieces off something with your teeth.
"He nibbled on an apple while waiting for his friend."
Of a product that is the subject of a consumer sale: new and still in its original packaging; not used.
"The clearance rack was stocked only with brand-new, unopened items marked as nibs to attract bargain hunters."
In plain English: Nib means having only small amounts of something left, usually referring to food that is nearly finished being eaten.
"The nib was made to fit perfectly onto that specific pen type."
The word nib likely originated as a variation of the older term neb, possibly influenced by its connection to the verb to nibble. This shift in spelling helped establish the current meaning for writing instruments or small biting tools.