gib: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (very rare in general use, technical in specific fields)Technical (engineering, masonry), Archaic/Regional (animal husbandry), Informal (gaming/computing slang).
Quick answer
What does “gib” mean?
A type of bolt or wedge.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of bolt or wedge; or, to secure with such a fastener.
A male cat, especially a castrated one (archaic/regional). Also used in computing/gaming as a command or a unit of data (derived from 'gibber').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant national difference for the engineering term. The 'cat' sense is archaic in both but slightly more attested in British historical texts. The computing slang is international.
Connotations
In technical contexts, neutral. As 'gib-cat', connotes age, toughness, or disrepute (as in Shakespeare's 'I am as melancholy as a gib-cat'). In gaming, connotes violent or messy destruction.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in all varieties. Most English speakers will never encounter it outside of specific technical manuals or Shakespeare.
Grammar
How to Use “gib” in a Sentence
[to] gib [something] [in place][the] gib [secures/holds] [the component]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gib” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You need to gib the sliding mechanism before making fine adjustments.
- The mechanic gibbed the assembly to eliminate play.
American English
- Gib the cross-feed screw to take up the backlash.
- After aligning the table, he gibbed it securely.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, only in historical literary studies ('gib-cat') or engineering papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in mechanical engineering and machining for a specific type of adjustable fastener.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gib”
- Using 'gib' as a common noun for any bolt.
- Pronouncing it with a /dʒ/ sound (like 'jib').
- Assuming it is a common word for 'cat'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare word. Most native speakers only know it from Shakespeare ('gib-cat') or encounter it in highly technical engineering contexts or niche gaming slang.
An archaic term for a tomcat, especially an old or castrated one. It is now almost exclusively known from its use in Shakespeare's 'Henry IV'.
As a verb meaning to violently fragment an opponent's character model (e.g., 'I totally gibbed him!'), originating from the word 'gibber'. As a noun, it can refer to the resulting graphic fragments.
It would almost certainly cause confusion. It is recommended only in the specific technical fields where it has a defined meaning.
A type of bolt or wedge.
Gib is usually technical (engineering, masonry), archaic/regional (animal husbandry), informal (gaming/computing slang). in register.
Gib: in British English it is pronounced /ɡɪb/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡɪb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Melancholy as a gib-cat (archaic)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GIANT BOLT (Gib) holding a heavy machine together.
Conceptual Metaphor
FASTENER IS CONTROL (The gib secures and controls the position of a moving part).
Practice
Quiz
In which context might you encounter the word 'gib' in its original, non-slang meaning?