What does jibe mean?
To jibe with something is to agree with it, fit alongside it, or be consistent with it. For example, an account that jibes with other evidence is an account that agrees with that evidence. The word can also function as a verb meaning to make a mocking or teasing remark, as in a remark that jibes at someone's appearance or opinion. This second meaning is informal and somewhat old-fashioned, though still understood and occasionally used. In everyday conversation, the agreement sense is generally the more frequent one. A jibe can consequently express either harmony or playful hostility: it may confirm that two things fit together, or it may be a sharp verbal jab. The expression "jibe with" is especially common when describing facts, conclusions, behaviours, or accounts that are mutually consistent.
To agree with or be consistent with something.
"The witness's account does not jibe with the evidence."
Commonly used in the expression "jibe with."
To make a mocking or derisive remark about someone or something.
"She jibed at his habit of arriving late."
Informal; the sense is less common today than the agreement sense.
A mocking or derisive remark.
"His remark was intended as a harmless jibe."
Informal and somewhat traditional in tone.
The plural is used for individual mocking remarks; the agreement sense is normally expressed through the verb and does not normally take this noun plural.
"The audience responded to his jibes with a few laughs."
One small word can mean both getting along with an idea and taking a sly jab at it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of jibe
The English word jibe is a late 19th-century word of uncertain origin. Its long-established sense meaning to agree or correspond with something developed alongside an older informal use meaning to make a mocking remark. Although it may be related to other words expressing jesting or mockery, its precise derivation is not securely established.
Related word forms
How jibe is actually used
The agreement sense is often informal but widely used, especially in the expression "jibe with." The mocking sense is informal and may sound more traditional in British English.
Easily confused with jibe
A jibe can mean to agree with something or to make a mocking remark, whereas jive usually refers to an energetic dance or music style.