# bickering

/ˈbɪkɝɪŋ/ (US) · /bˈɪkəɹɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bickering
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

arguing about small, unimportant things. It is usually annoying to listen to because the disagreement is not serious.

For teachers: persistent, petty, and peevish arguing, typically over trivial matters. Often implies a repetitive or childish quality to the dispute.

## Examples

- The children's constant bickering is giving me a headache.
- After hours of bickering over which movie to watch, the group eventually decided to stay home and read instead.
- The project was delayed not by technical hurdles, but by the incessant bickering between departments over who should take credit for the initial design phase.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.