nibs

American  

[nibz] / nɪbz /

noun

1. Informal: Often Facetious. hisher nibs, a person in authority, especially one who is demanding and tyrannical.

   His nibs wants fresh strawberries in December.

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nibs British  

/ nɪbz /

noun

1. slang (functioning as singular) a mock title used of someone in authority

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Etymology

Origin of nibs

First recorded in 1815–25; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

The most elusive offerings—often called “grail” pens—may have handcrafted nibs or are vintage or limited editions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 2, 2025

Jennie’s organic coconut bites with cacao nibs and dark chocolate worked beautifully for post-colonoscopy problems.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 10, 2024

During production, cacao beans are separated into meaty solids, known as nibs, and a fatty portion called cocoa butter.

From National Geographic • Feb. 12, 2024

Once this lip-lock has a good seal, the cookie-cutter digs in with its teeth, of which half are shaped like old-fashioned pen nibs and the other half of which resemble a bandsaw.

From Slate • Nov. 20, 2023

The nibs we used were very fragile and most boys kept a supply of new ones in a small box in their trouser pockets.

From "Boy: Tales of a Childhood" by Roald Dahl