How to pronounce dibs
Say it like DIBZ. Dibs is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce dibs. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DIBZ
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Dibs pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DIBZSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of dibs
American and British speakers say dibs in essentially the same way: /dɪbz/ in the US and /dɪbz/ in the UK.
British respelling: DIBZ.
What does dibs mean?
- The right to use or enjoy something exclusively or before anyone else.“I call dibs on the hammock!”
- Used to claim this right.
- To claim a temporary right to (something); to reserve.
Where does dibs come from?
Since the early 19th century, of disputed origin.
Questions about saying dibs
How do you pronounce dibs?
Say DIBZ. The American pronunciation is /dɪbz/. In British English it is /dɪbz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in dibs?
Dibs is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: DIBZ.
Do Americans and Brits say dibs the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dɪbz/ and the British form is /dɪbz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.