a bit
Idioms-
A small amount of anything; also, a short period of time. For example, Here's a bit of wrapping paper , or It'll be ready in a bit , or Just wait a bit . [c. 1600]
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Somewhat or rather, as in It stings a bit , or Will you have a bit more to eat? [Second half of 1600s] Also see bit by bit ; not a bit .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“High Fives” is a bit more uptempo and finds Drake rapping instead of singing, but low-stakes lyrics and ultimate tunelessness leave little impression.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026
With investor protection a bit lower, Evercore said they’re now recommeding “tapping the brakes” on low defensive stocks — such as strongly performing tech names.
From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026
Sometimes I add a bit of still-relatively-affordable chorizo first — not for bulk, but for richness and spice — though soyrizo, which is often slightly more expensive, works beautifully here too.
From Salon • May 19, 2026
“We have to adhere to the law because we know if we cross that line, even a fraction for a bit, we know they’ll crush us.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026
I get my sacks of food and we head up the river a bit to be alone, but still they do not rest.
From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
