# jib

> English word · Noun · IPA /d͡ʒɪb/ · frequency rank #37,527

## Definitions
1. A triangular staysail set forward of the foremast. In a sloop (see image) the basic jib reaches back roughly to the level of the mast.
2. Any of a variety of specialty triangular staysails set forward of the foremast.

## Etymology
Attested since the 1660s, of uncertain origin. Perhaps related to jib (“shift or swing around”) (see below).

## Easily confused with
- **Jr** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/jib-vs-jr)
- **jo** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/jib-vs-jo)
- **Ju** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/jib-vs-ju)
- **JK** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/jib-vs-jk)
- **JV** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/jib-vs-jv)
- **JW** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/jib-vs-jw)
- **job** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/jib-vs-job)
- **Joe** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/jib-vs-joe)
- **Jim** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/jib-vs-jim)
- **joy** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/jib-vs-joy)
- **Jon** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/jib-vs-jon)
- **jin** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/jib-vs-jin)
- **jun** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/jib-vs-jun)
- **jog** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/jib-vs-jog)
- **jug** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/jib-vs-jug)
- **jus** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/jib-vs-jus)
- **Joo** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/jib-vs-joo)
- **jig** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/jib-vs-jig)
- **jiu** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/jib-vs-jiu)
- **jot** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/jib-vs-jot)

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/jib