nubbin

[ nuhb-in ]

/ ˈnʌb ɪn /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for nubbin on Thesaurus.com

noun

a small lump or stunted piece; stub.

a small or imperfect ear of corn.

an undeveloped fruit.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of nubbin

1685–95, Americanism; perhaps nub + -in, variant of -ing¹

Words nearby nubbin

nuance, nuanced, nub, Nuba, Nubain, nubbin, nubble, nubbly, nubby, nubecula, nubia

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

How to use nubbin in a sentence

Linn’s sly sense of humor resurfaces in the terrific “Porky Marge,” a margherita pizza punctuated with crisp nubbins of bacon and showered with Romano cheese.
2021 Fall Dining Guide|Tom Sietsema|October 6, 2021|Washington Post
We know how unlikely it is that Cassie, who has been depicted as a worn-down nubbin of PTSD through most of the film, would be able to get her revenge from beyond the grave.
Promising Young Woman’s explosive ending and Best Picture chances, explained|Emily VanDerWerff|April 16, 2021|Vox
He took it to bed with him in the loft and read till his 'nubbin' of candle burned out.
The Every-day Life of Abraham Lincoln|Francis Fisher Browne
Small nubbin' for all the world, but it stole the hot an' the smell o' the meat.'
Continental Monthly , Vol. 6, No. 1, July, 1864|Various

Mother Howard hesitated at the brink of the very nubbin of it all, to Robert Fairchild.
The Cross-Cut|Courtney Ryley Cooper
Bimeby they wa'n't no stick left—only a nubbin, about four inches long, an' it was Rocky's turn.
The Turtles of Tasman|Jack London
Lincoln whispered to his friend, "Did you ever see so small a nubbin that had so much husk on it?"
The Battle of Principles|Newell Dwight Hillis

British Dictionary definitions for nubbin

nubbin

/ (ˈnʌbɪn) /

noun

mainly US and Canadian something small or undeveloped, esp a fruit or ear of corn

Word Origin for nubbin

C19: diminutive of nub

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

nubbin

Origin of nubbin

Words nearby nubbin

Words related to nubbin

How to use nubbin in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for nubbin

Word Origin for nubbin