adjective
-
piercing; keen
a biting wind
-
sarcastic; incisive
a biting comment
Other Word Forms
- bitingly adverb
- bitingness noun
- nonbiting adjective
- unbiting adjective
Etymology
Origin of biting
First recorded in 1250–1300, biting is from the Middle English word bitynge. See bite, -ing 2
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.
"You could harness him up first. That way he won't have a chance to go along biting ears."
From Literature
The series became a bestselling book, increasing Anderson’s profile as an incisive commentator with biting wit but very little malice.
From Los Angeles Times
At the water’s edge we started to dig, getting into everyone’s way, splashing, the sand under our nails and crushed shells biting at our feet.
From Literature
“Grade-A jerk, remember? Anyways, about the letter,” I said, and then paused, biting my lip as I considered the domino of events that were already in motion.
From Literature
Local experts break down what’s causing the flurry of biting insects in the winter.
From Los Angeles Times
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.
