a bit

Idioms  

1. 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]

2. 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

So, rather than picking up your infant every time they start to scream, you wait a bit, maybe two minutes, before going in and saying something comforting, rather than soothing them back to sleep.

From Slate • May 3, 2026

"We still have not seen much of the economic effects because everyone had a bit of savings. They had some gold and dollars for a rainy day. When they run out, things will change."

From Barron's • May 2, 2026

With a bit of a break before preparation for the fall ramps up, Iamaleava’s message to the team was simple: “Stay together.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2026

Americans told pollsters that jobs were a bit easier to find.

From MarketWatch • May 2, 2026

Marcie offered parting words, but see you later came out like she was a bit disappointed.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

• a little
• comparatively
• fairly
• kind of
• pretty
• quite
• relatively
• slightly
• somewhat