Meaning & use
pen nib
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountable
The pointed metal tip of a pen that touches the paper and controls the flow of ink.
Grammar: Countable: a pen nib, two pen nibs. Often shortened to 'nib'.
Patterns
- a pen nib
- replace the pen nib
- a fine pen nib
The pen nib was bent, so the ink came out in uneven lines.
Calligraphers choose a pen nib based on the width of the stroke they want.
He carefully wiped the pen nib with a cloth after filling the pen.
Word forms
| plural | pen nibs |
|---|
Common combinations
- fine pen nib
- A fine pen nib is ideal for detailed drawing.
- broad pen nib
- She used a broad pen nib to create thick, bold letters.
- replace a pen nib
- You can replace a pen nib if it becomes damaged.
- fountain pen nib
- The fountain pen nib glided smoothly across the page.
- dip pen nib
- A dip pen nib must be dipped into ink repeatedly.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
- nib noun
- The pointed tip of a pen, especially a fountain pen or dip pen.
Commonly confused: pen nib or pen tip? pen nib or nibble?
pen nib vs pen tip
A general term for the end of any pen, including ballpoints; 'pen nib' specifically refers to the metal point of a fountain or dip pen.
pen nib vs nibble
A small bite; not related to pens.
Practice
What is a pen nib?
Choose one answer.
A pen nib is the pointed metal tip that controls ink flow. The cap, ink, and clip are other parts of a pen, not the nib.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “pen nib”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.