gibe

¹

or jibe

[ jahyb ]

verb (used without object)

, gibed, gib·ing.

1. to utter mocking or scoffing words; jeer.

   Synonyms: gird, sneer, mock

verb (used with object)

, gibed, gib·ing.

1. to taunt; deride.

   Synonyms: fleer, twit, ridicule

noun

1. a taunting or sarcastic remark.

   Synonyms: jeer, scoff, sneer

gibe

²

[ jahyb ]

verb (used with or without object)

, gibed, gib·ing,

1. jibe ³.

gibe

¹

/ dʒaɪb /

verb

1. a variant spelling of gybe

gibe

²

/ dʒaɪb /

verb

1. to make jeering or scoffing remarks (at); taunt

noun

1. a derisive or provoking remark

Derived Forms

• ˈgibingly, adverb
• ˈgiber, noun

Other Words From

• giber noun
• gibing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of gibe¹

First recorded before 1560–70; perhaps from Middle French giber “to handle roughly, shake,” derivative of gibe “staff, billhook”

Word History and Origins

Origin of gibe¹

C16: perhaps from Old French giber to treat roughly, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

The gibe blew Quayle off the debate stage; then, just a few weeks later, Republicans won the White House in a landslide.

From Los Angeles Times

“Kamala Harris” — a former district attorney and California’s attorney general— “prosecuted murderers and drug traffickers. Donald Trump fell asleep at his own trial,” Clinton gibed.

From Los Angeles Times

With the extent of that perceived boost now in question, some of those same figures greeted Biden’s announcement with veiled and not-so-veiled gibes.

From Los Angeles Times

The fact someone — whose motive and ideology remain unclear — sought to end his life has led to inevitable gibes about roosting chickens.

From Los Angeles Times

In a later jab that mixes the claims with a cutting gibe at Lamar's height yet again, he asks, “When you put your hands on your girl, is it self-defense ’cause she’s bigger than you?”

From Salon

Related Words

• jab
• sarcasm
• swipe