biting

[ bahy-ting ]

adjective

1. nipping; smarting; keen:

   biting cold; a biting sensation on the tongue.

2. cutting; sarcastic:

   a biting remark.

   Synonyms: scathing, mordant, caustic, trenchant, incisive

biting

/ ˈbaɪtɪŋ /

adjective

1. piercing; keen

   a biting wind

2. sarcastic; incisive

   a biting comment

Derived Forms

• ˈbitingly, adverb

Other Words From

• biting·ly adverb
• biting·ness noun
• non·biting adjective
• un·biting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of biting¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, biting is from the Middle English word bitynge. See bite, -ing ²

Example Sentences

Are you biting your nails in anxious anticipation?

From Salon

Aedes mosquitoes are most active during the day, but their peak biting time is just before sunrise and just after sunset.

From Los Angeles Times

The neighbor’s sign, while biting, underscored an emerging reality in Arizona’s sizable Latter-day Saints community — that while church members are overwhelmingly Republican, there is some erosion in their traditionally airtight support for Republicans.

From Los Angeles Times

There was physical abuse, including biting, kicking, scratching and clawing.

From BBC

The series is equal parts police procedural and biting feminist commentary.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acerbic
• bitter
• caustic
• incisive
• mordant
• scathing
• sharp
• stinging
• trenchant
• withering