Dibs

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /dɪbz/
• Rhymes: -ɪbz

Since the early 19th century, of disputed origin. Most commonly thought to be from dibstones ("counters used in a game with the same name"). Also from dib ("to tap") or related to northern English dip ("small depression in the ground"), or a shortened version of divide

Full definition of dibs

Noun

1. (informal) A claim to the right to use or enjoy something exclusively or before anyone else.Dibs means I get the hammock.Who's got dibs on the chips?
• 2011, March 23, We asked mayoral candidates: Do you support 'dibs' on parking spots?, Del Valle has the blessing of a garage, so he doesn't have to claim “dibs” on shoveled street spots himself, he said.
• 2012, February 16, Our View: Public Employees Bill of Rights Act all wrong, It aims to give unionized California government workers "more workplace discipline protections and first dibs on state government work," as the Sacramento Bee put it.

Synonyms

• bags Australia

Derived terms

• first dibs

Verb

1. To claim a temporary right to (something); to reserve.

Synonyms

• (to reserve) bagsy UK, bags Australia

Noun

1. (dated) A sweet preparation or treacle of grape juice, much used in the East.

Noun

plural

1. Plural of dib
2. (obsolete) A child's game, played with dib bones.

Anagrams

• bids