biting

adjective

bit·​ing ˈbī-tiŋ 

: having the power to bite

a biting wind

especially : able to grip and impress deeply

a biting wit

bitingly

ˈbī-tiŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• bitter
• cutting
• keen
• penetrating
• piercing
• raw
• sharp
• shrewd
• smarting
• stinging

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

The late-night host didn't go into detail about what was written in the letter, but Commander is the president's dog, who has been removed from the White House after several biting incidents. —Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 16 June 2024

The result is a wittier, more biting show in Season 3. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 13 June 2024

But Albini also became well-known for his biting wit, which could cut a beloved band, political movement, or Las Vegas concert venue clear down to the quick in just a single sentence. —Marah Eakin, Vulture, 9 May 2024

One of the most biting posts came from Chell, who oversees the NYPD’s day-to-day deployment of patrol cops. —Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing biting

• biting louse
• biting midge
• crib biting

Kids Definition

biting

adjective

bit·​ing ˈbīt-iŋ 

: causing bodily or mental distress : sharp, cutting

biting wit

a biting cold