Definition of "gybe" in English

verb

1. (transitive, nautical) To shift a fore-and-aft sail from one side of a sailing vessel to the other, while sailing before the wind.

2. (intransitive, nautical) 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.

3. (intransitive, nautical) Generally of a small sailing vessel: to change tack with the wind crossing behind the vessel.

4. (by extension, obsolete) Often as gybe at: to balk, hesitate, or vacillate when faced with a course of action, plan, or proposal.

noun

1. (nautical) The act of gybing.

2. (by extension) A sudden change in approach or direction; vacillation.

noun

1. Alternative spelling of jibe (“taunt”).

verb

1. Alternative spelling of jibe (“taunt”).