biting

adjective

bit·​ing ˈbī-tiŋ How to pronounce biting (audio)
: having the power to bite
a biting wind
especially : able to grip and impress deeply
a biting wit
bitingly adverb

Examples of biting in a Sentence

a biting wind that only the toughest football fans were willing to endure the biting comments by the pundits about the government's inaction
Recent Examples on the Web His playing can be fierce and biting, sweet and tender, or almost anywhere in between, depending on the song and mood at hand. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2024 The researchers observed the common clownfish directing the most aggression—such as chasing or biting—toward the other common clownfish and being least aggressive toward the orange skunk clownfish, with its one horizontal stripe. Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Feb. 2024 While similar to 2021's Swan Song, in which Mahershala Ali plays similarly double roles, Dual is much more biting than its mournful counterpart, with a fun pair of performances from Gillan. Will Harris, EW.com, 28 Nov. 2023 Last year, in the biting cold, cups of hot chocolate and mini bottles of Fireball cinnamon whiskey kept the cash register busy in the dark of 5:30 a.m and onward for the next seven hours. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2024 Even gloomy skies and a biting 40-degree breeze won’t stop fans from staking out in downtown Sacramento, in the hope of seeing Hollywood stars. Hanh Truong, Sacramento Bee, 6 Feb. 2024 That approach gives the film its beguiling and biting tone, and though Escalante doesn’t land all of his audacious summersaults, the result feels invigorating and distinct. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 2 Feb. 2024 After discovering her brother Jay's suicide, Coral, a Black, gay graphic novelist with biting wit, assumes his identity. Amy Brady, Scientific American, 11 Dec. 2023 Anchored in Detroit's dynamic vibe, Martin paints an authentic portrait of Martin Payne—a radio host whose electrifying persona and biting wit ride the rollercoaster of life. Travis Bean, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'biting.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of biting was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near biting

Cite this Entry

“Biting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biting. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

biting

adjective
bit·​ing ˈbīt-iŋ How to pronounce biting (audio)
: causing bodily or mental distress : sharp, cutting
biting wit
a biting cold

More from Merriam-Webster on biting

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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