# nibbling

/ˈnɪbəɫɪŋ/ (US) · /nˈɪblɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nibbling
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

to take very small bites of food, a little at a time. You do this when you snack or are not very hungry.

For teachers: to take small, quick bites of food, often repeatedly and without eating much. Often followed by 'at' or 'on' for repeated action, or takes a direct object for the food itself.

## Examples

- She is nibbling a biscuit while she reads.
- The kids are nibbling carrot sticks in the kitchen while they wait for dinner.
- He sat by the window in the afternoon, nibbling dark chocolate while turning the pages of a long novel he could not put down.

## Synonyms

peck

## Antonyms

devour, gorge, gobble

## Usage notes

- Often followed by 'at' or 'on'; also transitive with a direct object for the food being eaten.

---

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.