ankle biter

noun

variants or ankle-biter
1
informal : a young child
The only topics of conversation among parents are about the ankle biters and their various extracurricular activities … and food allergies.Deborah Hill Cone
2
informal : a small, aggressive dog

Examples of ankle biter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Book with you ankle biter and get a private guide, vehicle, and chef specializing in children’s cuisine. Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2024 Here, Angelenos audience test the next season of the end of the world every day — from the drama of the unprotected left to the dark comedy of getting dressed up to stave off the ankle biters. Edmund Arévalo, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2023 Cut these ankle biters some slack and don’t roll your eyes. Christopher Muther, BostonGlobe.com, 26 June 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ankle biter was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near ankle biter

Cite this Entry

“Ankle biter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ankle%20biter. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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