nibbles

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'nibbles' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun and can refer to small, light snacks or appetizers. Example: "For the party tonight, I'll prepare some delicious nibbles such as stuffed mushrooms, cheese and crackers, and mini quiches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food and Drink

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Small, elegantly presented nibbles from an extensive menu include the local specialty, fried aubergines drizzled with honey, and tiny empanada pies.

The Guardian - Travel

Bobo offered mint tea, gin and tonic or cold white wine, while other members of the clan passed around nibbles.

The Guardian - Travel

The tapas tradition soon grew into an elaborate menu of nibbles which increase in quality and quantity the more drinks are ordered.

The Guardian - Travel

A less savoury suggestion of the etymology also exists - that in 16th-century Castilla-La Mancha, landlords liked to dish out free nibbles of mature cheese to 'cover' the taste of bad wine.

The Guardian - Travel

Spritzers and nibbles.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All HTML5 does is attempt to standardise several previous efforts (such as Google Gears) and improve utility.Some of the software nibbles Mr Kamkar identifies can't be removed because they form an integral part of the browser-server nexus.

The Economist

He believes that the new member states of the EU have a chance to derive advantage from the Roma by finding an economic niche for them for example, by turning their tradition of scrap-dealing into the basis for a modern recycling industry.Such hopeful nibbles abound.

The Economist

The herd calms down, and nibbles some grass.The practical reason is that economies and markets are indeed connected, through trade, through flows of capital, and through multinational companies.

The Economist

MANAGERS are famous for eating their own cooking, so what happens if a competitor not only has a better selection of nibbles but, even worse, turns off the buffet?

The Economist

But did it do so for £38,000-worth of wine and nibbles, or because it had genuinely changed its mind, or because as it claims the moratorium had achieved its aim and was always supposed to be temporary?

The Economist

By the 1970s and 1980s writers were looking down their noses at social climbers, in plays like "Top Girls" and "Abigail's Party", in which a middle-class arriviste serves cheesy nibbles and the wrong kind of wine.Social mobility receded as a topic for a while, as playwrights like David Hare turned to scrutinising the state of the nation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nibbles" to describe a variety of small snacks offered at social gatherings or as light refreshments. Consider the context to determine if a more specific term like "appetizers" or "tapas" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "nibbles" in highly formal writing where a more sophisticated term like "hors d'oeuvres" or "appetizers" would be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "nibbles" is as a noun, typically in the plural form. It refers to small portions of food or snacks, often served at social events or gatherings. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "nibbles" functions primarily as a noun referring to small snacks or appetizers, often served in social settings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While highly frequent in news and media, its usage is less common in formal or scientific contexts where terms like "appetizers" or "hors d'oeuvres" might be more appropriate. Alternatives such as "snacks", "finger foods", and "tapas" offer contextual variations, ensuring precise communication depending on the type and setting of the occasion. To avoid misuse, reserve the term "nibbles" for informal or neutral scenarios and consider more refined options for formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Snacks

A more general term for small portions of food eaten between meals.

Small bites

A simple and direct way to refer to small portions of food.

Appetizers

Small dishes served before a meal to stimulate the appetite.

Finger foods

Small, easily manageable foods designed to be eaten without utensils.

Hors d'oeuvres

Small, savory dishes served before a meal, often more elaborate than simple snacks.

Party snacks

Snacks specifically intended for parties and gatherings.

Canapés

Small, decorative bites, often consisting of a base topped with savory ingredients.

Tapas

A variety of small Spanish savory dishes, typically served with drinks.

Light refreshments

Indicates a selection of small snacks and drinks offered to guests.

Savory treats

Small, flavorful snacks, usually salty or spiced rather than sweet.

FAQs

How can I use "nibbles" in a sentence?

You can use "nibbles" to refer to small snacks or appetizers. For example, "We served a variety of "finger foods" and "nibbles" at the party", or "Guests enjoyed the selection of "small bites" and "nibbles" before dinner".

What are some alternatives to the word "nibbles"?

Alternatives to "nibbles" include "snacks", "appetizers", "finger foods", "hors d'oeuvres", and "tapas". The best choice depends on the context and the specific type of food being described.

Is "nibbles" appropriate for formal writing?

While "nibbles" is widely understood, it may be considered too informal for highly formal writing. In such cases, using terms like "appetizers" or "hors d'oeuvres" can be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "nibbles" and "snacks"?

"Nibbles" often implies a selection of small, varied items served at a social gathering, while "snacks" is a more general term for any small amount of food eaten between meals. "Nibbles" are often more elaborate than everyday "snacks".