biting

[ bahy-ting ]

adjective

1. nipping; smarting; keen:

   biting cold; a biting sensation on the tongue.

2. cutting; sarcastic:

   a biting remark.

   Synonyms: scathing, mordant, caustic, trenchant, incisive

biting

/ ˈbaɪtɪŋ /

adjective

1. piercing; keen

   a biting wind

2. sarcastic; incisive

   a biting comment

Derived Forms

• ˈbitingly, adverb

Other Words From

• biting·ly adverb
• biting·ness noun
• non·biting adjective
• un·biting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of biting¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, biting is from the Middle English word bitynge. See bite, -ing ²

Example Sentences

Abramson, biting her tongue, was widely portrayed in rival outlets as classily above the fray.

From The Daily Beast

At least one mobster said he always kept two biting monkeys in the room when he met his associates.

From The Daily Beast

So one may wonder, what has awakened the sleeping lapdogs and why are they suddenly biting?

From The Daily Beast

The region of interest is known as the Amundsen Sea Sector, which means climate change is biting Earth in the ASS.

From The Daily Beast

She has personally confronted suicide, business failure and biting criticism, and in the face of it all she perseveres.

From The Daily Beast

"All right," said Dan, biting off a big chew from the plug he was holding, and restoring the rest to his pocket.

From Project Gutenberg

With her little satin shoe she tapped the carpet, biting her under lip and seeming to be listening.

From Project Gutenberg

The day had been intensely cold, with a biting north-east wind and black frost.

From Project Gutenberg

The keen wind found me out and seemed to take joy in rushing in on me in biting gusts and then whirling away over the flat.

From Project Gutenberg

"I have time before dark to make Benny's cart," observed Henry, biting a crisp, sweet carrot.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• acerbic
• bitter
• caustic
• incisive
• mordant
• scathing
• sharp
• stinging
• trenchant
• withering