gribble

[ grib-uhl ]

noun

a small, marine isopod crustacean of the genus Limnoria that destroys submerged timber by boring into it.

Origin of gribble

First recorded in 1830–40; perhaps akin to grub

Words Nearby gribble

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use gribble in a sentence

When the new engine was put in, gribble said, ‘Why, these little things will never get steam enough;’ everybody said so.
Life of Richard Trevithick, Volume II (of 2) | Francis Trevithick
Lewis gribble, son of John, the old wagoner and tavern keeper.
The Old Pike | Thomas B. Searight
Mrs. J. gribble junior was also hard at work on silk and gingham.
London's Heart | B. L. (Benjamin Leopold) Farjeon
gribble junior did not think so; he positively glowed with delight.
London's Heart | B. L. (Benjamin Leopold) Farjeon
gribble junior was not the only one who joined in the applause with spirit.
London's Heart | B. L. (Benjamin Leopold) Farjeon

British Dictionary definitions for gribble

gribble

/ (ˈɡrɪbəl) /

noun

any small marine isopod crustacean of the genus Limnoria, which bores into and damages wharves and other submerged wooden structures

Origin of gribble

C19: perhaps related to grub

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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