dibs

[ dibz ]

noun

, Informal.

1. money in small amounts.
2. rights; claims:

   I have dibs on the car when Jimmy brings it back.

dibs

/ dɪbz /

plural noun

1. another word for jacks
2. a slang word for money
3. informal.
   foll by on rights (to) or claims (on): used mainly by children

Word History and Origins

Origin of dibs¹

1720–30; shortening of earlier dibstones a children's game; dib

Word History and Origins

Origin of dibs¹

C18: shortened from dibstones children's game played with knucklebones or pebbles, probably from dib to tap, dip, variant of dab ¹

Idioms and Phrases

see have dibs on .

Example Sentences

Fish always seem to have the last dibs on water in times of drought.

From The Daily Beast

Then again, as Goodmann pointed out, “If protocol meant something, the vice president would have first dibs on the White House.”

From The Daily Beast

Plus, Con Ed gets first dibs on whatever comes over the transom.

From The Daily Beast

Why should the Jewish community get first dibs at hanging out the ‘now hiring’ sign?

From The Daily Beast

I've got the dibs for yer ticket done up in this 'ere belt I'm a-goin' to put on you.

From Project Gutenberg

I have a few dibs,' replied Bourgeat joyfully, and he pulled out a greasy old leather purse.

From Project Gutenberg

I spoke to the king about it, and Old Dibs he complained to Iosefo, but it only seemed to whoop it up and add to the procession.

From Project Gutenberg

I was sleeping very light, and I woke up all of a sudden and saw Old Dibs standing in the doorway!

From Project Gutenberg

"It'll never sustain the coin," said Old Dibs, jouncing up and down on it like a dancing hippopotamus.

From Project Gutenberg