Pronunciation: [nˈɪb] (IPA) 
The word "nib" is spelled with the letters N, I, and B. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /nɪb/. The "n" is pronounced as a voiced alveolar nasal consonant, the "i" as a short vowel sound with a central position in the mouth, and the "b" as a voiced bilabial plosive consonant. The word "nib" can refer to the pointed end of a pen or a tool used for cutting or shaping.
The term "nib" refers to a small, pointed instrument, typically made of metal or other durable material, that is used in writing instruments such as fountain pens, calligraphy pens, and some types of brush pens. The nib is responsible for transferring ink onto paper or a writing surface.
A nib consists of a fine, sharpened tip that comes into contact with the paper. It has a slit running from the tip to the base, which allows it to hold and distribute the ink evenly as it is applied. Nibs are designed in various shapes and sizes to suit different writing styles and purposes. They can be round, flat, or pointed, giving writers the ability to produce a range of line widths and styles. The flexibility of a nib can affect the amount of ink flow and the pressure required to produce desired effects.
Nibs are an essential component of writing instruments that rely on ink flow rather than a ball or rolling mechanism. They allow for more control and precision in writing, making them popular among calligraphers, artists, and pen enthusiasts. Nibs can often be removed and interchanged, allowing users to experiment with different line variations and ink types.
In summary, a nib is a writing instrument component that dispenses ink onto a writing surface. It is typically pointed, made of metal, and has a slit for ink distribution. Nibs offer control and flexibility in producing various line widths and writing styles, making them an indispensable part of pens used for calligraphy and other precise writing applications.
The point of anything, particularly of a pen; the beak of a bird.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "nib" is derived from the Old English word "nibb", which means a beak or a point. This Old English word is related to the Old High German word "nabba" and the Middle Dutch word "nibbe", all of which also mean a beak or a pointed object. The sense of "nib" as it is used today, referring to the pointed end of a pen or quill, emerged in the early 18th century.
