1nib·ble 
/ˈnɪbəl/ verb
nib·bles; nib·bled; nib·bling /ˈnɪbəl/ verb 1 : to eat slowly or with small bites [+ obj] ▪ We nibbled cheese and crackers. [no obj] ▪ We nibbled on some cheese and crackers before dinner. — often + at ▪ She felt a fish nibble at the end of her fishing line. ▪ Insects nibbled at the tree's leaves. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ He nibbled at the idea of changing careers [=he thought briefly about changing careers], but decided against it in the end. 2 [+ obj] : to bite (something) very gently
▪ He nibbled her ear.
▪ He nibbled her ear.
nibble (away) at [phrasal verb]
nibble (away) at (something) : to make (something) disappear or go away very slowly
▪ Police have been nibbling (away) at crime in the city for years. [=police have been very slowly reducing the amount of crime in the city]
▪ Police have been nibbling (away) at crime in the city for years. [=police have been very slowly reducing the amount of crime in the city]
