# bit

/ˈbɪt/ (US) · /bˈɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bit
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. a small amount

noun · CEFR A2

a small piece or amount of something.

For teachers: a small portion, degree, or amount of something; often used in the partitive 'a bit of'.

- There were bits of broken glass all over the kitchen floor.
- The detective found a tiny bit of blue fabric caught on the fence, which proved the suspect had climbed over it.

### 2. a short time

noun · CEFR A2 · Informal

a short period of time.

For teachers: a brief and usually unspecified interval of time.

- Wait here for a bit while I go and find the manager.
- After walking for a bit, they realized they had been heading in the wrong direction since the last crossroads.

### 3. computing unit

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the smallest unit of information in a computer, represented as a 0 or 1.

For teachers: the basic unit of information in computing and digital communications, representing a choice between two exclusive states.

- A single byte is made up of eight bits.
- The encryption strength is determined by the number of bits in the key, making longer keys significantly harder to crack.

### 4. comedy routine

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a short performance or a joke that someone repeats.

For teachers: a self-contained piece of business, comedy routine, or a recurring joke.

- The comedian did a funny bit about trying to buy a new phone.
- The late-night host performed a satirical bit involving an impression of the prime minister that went viral the next morning.

### 5. tool part

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the sharp part of a tool that cuts or makes holes.

For teachers: the detachable cutting or drilling component of a tool, such as a drill or plane.

- You need a smaller drill bit to make the holes for these screws.
- The carpenter swapped the dull bit for a sharper one before continuing to bore holes into the hardwood cabinet doors.

### 6. horse equipment

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the metal bar that goes in a horse's mouth to help the rider control it.

For teachers: the metal mouthpiece of a bridle, used to control a horse through pressure on the mouth.

- The horse pulled against the bit because it wanted to run faster.
- A skilled rider uses the bit to communicate subtle cues to the horse rather than relying on physical force.

## Examples

- I have a bit of work to finish before dinner.
- The mechanic explained that the repair would take a bit of time because he needed to order a specific part.
- While the initial results showed a bit of promise, the researchers cautioned that further testing was required to confirm the long-term stability of the chemical compound.

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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.