bicker

¹

[bik-er]

verb (used without object)

1. to engage in petulant or peevish argument; wrangle.

   The two were always bickering.

   Synonyms: spat, disagreement, argument, spat, spar, dispute, haggle, quarrel, argue, squabble, disagree

2. Literary.,  to rush or make a rushing sound, as water.

   We first heard and then saw the stream bickering down the valley.

3. to flicker; glitter.

   The sun bickered through the trees.

noun

1. an angry, petty dispute or quarrel; altercation.

bicker

²

[bik-er]

noun

Scot.

1. any wooden dish or bowl, especially a wooden porridge bowl.

2. Obsolete.,  a wooden drinking cup.

bicker

/ ˈbɪkə /

verb

1. to argue over petty matters; squabble

2. poetic

   1. (esp of a stream) to run quickly

   2. to flicker; glitter

noun

1. a petty squabble

Other Word Forms

• bickerer noun
• bickering noun
• unbickered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bicker¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English bikeren; origin unknown

Origin of bicker²

1300–50; Middle English biker beaker

Word History and Origins

Origin of bicker¹

C13: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

In an era of cable news grifting, bickering and blatant bigotry, progressive voices like these are a breath of fresh air.

Read more on Salon

Weeks of bickering in Paris have triggered warnings about the public's growing disillusionment with politics - the spectacle appearing to confirm the notion that the prime aim of most politicians is simply to stay in power.

Read more on BBC

With reform and economic growth off the table, France’s political factions now are bickering over who can wreck the economy faster and more creatively via tax increases, industrial policy and new regulations.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They raised their kids in the Bowl and sometimes bickered over politics and annoyances, as any proper family does.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But the political bickering in Washington and perceived lack of concern about everyday Americans are not far from people's minds.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• disagree 
• quarrel 
• quibble 
• spar 
• squabble 
• wrangle