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

Other Word Forms

• bitingly adverb
• bitingness noun
• nonbiting adjective
• unbiting 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

In her speech, Stevens accused Plaid Cymru of "fantasy economics" claiming the party's long-term independence plan would see "billions of pounds of tax rises and biting austerity forced on working people across Wales".

From BBC

In the wake of Kimmel’s suspension it is hard to imagine any mass market humorist poking fun with abandon that biting satire demands.

From Los Angeles Times

Because when we were growing up, the guys in hip-hop called it “biting.”

From Los Angeles Times

Western sanctions have not been biting the Russian economy, though they have nibbled away at state revenues.

From Los Angeles Times

He also served bans for three separate biting incidents when playing for Ajax, Liverpool and Uruguay.

From BBC

Related Words

• acerbic 
• bitter 
• caustic 
• incisive 
• mordant 
• scathing 
• sharp 
• stinging www.thesaurus.com
• trenchant 
• withering