First Known Use: 1661
Dictionary
1jib
noun \ˈjib\
Definition of JIB
: a triangular sail set on a stay extending usually from the head of the foremast to the bowsprit or the jibboom; also : the small triangular headsail on a sloop — see sail illustration
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Origin of JIB
origin unknown
2jib
noun
Definition of JIB
1
: the projecting arm of a crane
2
: a derrick boom
Origin of JIB
probably by shortening & alteration from gibbet
First Known Use: 1764
Other Civil Engineering Terms
3jib
verb
: to hesitate or refuse to do or accept something
jibbedjib·bing
Full Definition of JIB
intransitive verb
: to refuse to proceed further : balk
— jib·ber noun
See jib defined for English-language learners
Origin of JIB
probably from jib to shift from one side of a ship to the other, perhaps from 1jib
First Known Use: 1811
JIB Defined for Kids
jib
noun \ˈjib\
Definition of JIB for Kids
: a three-cornered sail extending forward from the foremast
Learn More About JIB
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