# jib

/ˈdʒɪb/ (US) · /dʒˈɪb/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/jib
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

a small, triangular sail at the front of a boat. It helps the boat turn and move faster in the wind.

For teachers: a triangular staysail set forward of the foremast. It is typically attached to the forestay or a jib-boom and serves to balance the helm and improve aerodynamic efficiency.

## Examples

- The sailor pulled the rope to tighten the jib.
- As the wind picked up, the crew unfurled the jib to gain extra speed for the final leg of the race.
- The yacht struggled against the heavy swell until the skipper ordered the storm jib raised, providing the necessary stability to navigate the narrow channel safely.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the idiom 'the cut of one's jib', meaning a person's general appearance or character.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.