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.
Despite the biting cold, show attendees embraced a minimalist approach to beauty, favoring natural, dewy complexions over heavy makeup. Stixx Mathews, Essence, 10 Feb. 2025 Neshat’s Marjan is a bit slippery, oscillating between kind and strict, biting and supportive, self-deprecating and wistful. Christian Lewis, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025 Created by Tony McNamara, who earned Oscar nominations for his writing work on both The Favourite and Poor Things, The Great offers the same combination of lush costumes and scenery mixed with a biting commentary on the world, and a woman’s place in it. Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 5 Nov. 2024 Her awful journey is a raging scream against the patriarchy and a biting critique of how women are viewed, especially by other women. The Week Us, theweek, 17 Dec. 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 16 Feb. 2025.

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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