gybe Meaning & Definition
What Does Gybe Mean?
Gybe is used as a verb meaning To shift a fore-and-aft sail from one side of a sailing vessel to the other, while sailing before the wind. It is also used to mean Of a fore-and-aft sail or its boom: to shift, often forcefully and suddenly, from one side of a sailing vessel to the other. As a noun, it means The act of gybing. A sudden shift of a sail's angle, or a sudden change in the direction that a vessel is sailing in. A manoeuvre in which the stern of a sailing vessel crosses the wind, typically resulting in the forceful and sudden sweep of the boom from one side of the vessel to the other. As a noun, it means Alternative spelling of jibe (“taunt”).
Word Facts for Gybe
| Part of speech | verb, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //d͡ʒaɪb// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | jibe, jib and change course |
| Plural | gybes |
| Verb forms | gybes, gybing, gybed |
Gybe Definition (Verb)
- To shift a fore-and-aft sail from one side of a sailing vessel to the other, while sailing before the wind.
- Of a fore-and-aft sail or its boom: to shift, often forcefully and suddenly, from one side of a sailing vessel to the other.
- Generally of a small sailing vessel: to change tack with the wind crossing behind the vessel.
- Often as gybe at: to balk, hesitate, or vacillate when faced with a course of action, plan, or proposal.
Gybe as a Noun
- The act of gybing. A sudden shift of a sail's angle, or a sudden change in the direction that a vessel is sailing in. A manoeuvre in which the stern of a sailing vessel crosses the wind, typically resulting in the forceful and sudden sweep of the boom from one side of the vessel to the other.
- A sudden shift of a sail's angle, or a sudden change in the direction that a vessel is sailing in.
- A manoeuvre in which the stern of a sailing vessel crosses the wind, typically resulting in the forceful and sudden sweep of the boom from one side of the vessel to the other.
- A sudden change in approach or direction; vacillation.
Noun
- Alternative spelling of jibe (“taunt”).
Verb
- Alternative spelling of jibe (“taunt”).
Synonyms of Gybe
Gybe synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Gybe
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Gybe in a Sentence
No example sentences are available for this entry.
Word Forms & Grammar
gybe (third-person singular simple present gybes, present participle gybing, simple past and past participle gybed)
gybe (plural gybes)
Origin of Gybe
Origin 1: Probably from Dutch gijben (obsolete), gijpen; cognate with Danish gibbe, German gieben, giepen, Swedish gipa, gippa.[1]
Origin 2: The noun is derived from the verb; compare Dutch gijb (obsolete), gijp (“act of gybing; a boom”).[2]
Origin 3: See jibe.
Gybe Pronunciation
Gybe is pronounced //d͡ʒaɪb// and has 1 syllable.
Common Questions About Gybe
Is gybe a verb or a noun?
Gybe is mainly used as a verb, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for gybe?
Words with a similar meaning to gybe include jibe, jib and change course. See the full list of gybe synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of gybe?
The plural of gybe is gybes.
What is the past tense of gybe?
The past tense of gybe is gybed. The present participle is gybing.