nubbin

[ nuhb-in ]

noun

1. a small lump or stunted piece; stub.
2. a small or imperfect ear of corn.
3. an undeveloped fruit.

nubbin

/ ˈnʌbɪn /

noun

1. something small or undeveloped, esp a fruit or ear of corn

Word History and Origins

Origin of nubbin¹

1685–95, Americanism; perhaps nub + -in, variant of -ing ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of nubbin¹

C19: diminutive of nub

Example Sentences

The charity said Knobble's nickname was due to a "knobbly nubbin" on top of his dorsal fin.

From BBC

"She surprised us by being born a month prematurely, and then she surprised us again with her little hand," her mother Maria, who said they refer to her fingers as "nubbins".

From BBC

Then continue, as “impossibly, without anyone moving him, he bent forward and climbed unsteadily onto his little nubbin legs. The empty sleeve of his puppet hole hung behind him like a tail.”

From Washington Post

The French toast sticks have a craggy exterior, not unlike the coating of fried chicken, with little nubbins that crackle under tooth.

From Washington Post

Rolled oats are cut oats, too, but the nubbins are steamed and flattened into flakes, reducing cooking time and altering the flavor and texture.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• fruit
• grain
• meat
• morsel
• nut