nibble
UK: ˈnɪb.əl | US: ˈnɪb.əl
v. to take small, gentle bites
v. to eat something slowly or cautiously
n. a small bite or gentle chewing action
nibble = nib<small bite> + le<frequentative verb suffix>
- nib: Likely derived from Middle Low German nibben ("to pinch or bite lightly"), related to the act of taking small bites.
- le: A frequentative suffix in English, indicating repeated or ongoing action (e.g., "dazzle," "sparkle").
Etymology Origin:
The word "nibble" emerged in the late 15th century, combining the Germanic root nib (denoting light biting) with the English suffix -le to describe repetitive, gentle eating. It originally described the way small animals (like mice) eat and later extended to human behavior. The suffix -le adds a playful, iterative quality, mirroring the action itself.
The rabbit began to nibble on the carrot.
She nibbled her toast while reading the newspaper.
He felt a fish nibble at the bait.
The toddler nibbled the cookie cautiously.
Mice often nibble through wires, causing damage.