biting

adjective

bit·​ing ˈbī-tiŋ How to pronounce biting (audio)
: having the power to bite
a biting wind
especially : able to grip and impress deeply
a biting wit
bitingly adverb

Examples of biting in a Sentence

a biting wind that only the toughest football fans were willing to endure the biting comments by the pundits about the government's inaction
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The sketch seemed to be SNL’s attempt to balance the cold open’s levity with a more biting tone about the wearying stakes of deciding the nation’s leadership. Amanda Wicks, The Atlantic, 3 Nov. 2024 Will Ari craft a biting lyric finally addressing it? Catherine Santino, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024 Contrast exists too in the film’s objective as by turns sincere and biting satire, much to the chagrin of critic Roger Ebert, who panned the film in a one-star review upon its release. Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2024 Think of Yellowstone’s backcountry as nature’s answer to the U.S. House of Representatives, only with slightly more biting and scratching. Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for biting 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of biting was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near biting

Cite this Entry

“Biting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biting. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

biting

adjective
bit·​ing ˈbīt-iŋ How to pronounce biting (audio)
: causing bodily or mental distress : sharp, cutting
biting wit
a biting cold

More from Merriam-Webster on biting

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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