Word
biting
Phoneticsbit·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbaɪtɪŋ/
UK/bˈaɪtɪŋ/
Definitions
01very cold weather
B1 · Intermediate
adj. describing wind or cold that feels sharp and painful on your skin.
adj. causing a sharp, stinging, or piercing physical sensation, typically in reference to wind or low temperatures.
“A biting wind blew across the lake, making our faces feel numb.”
“The biting cold of the Arctic winter forced the expedition to remain in their shelters for three consecutive days.”
02sharp or hurtful speech
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. describing words that are clever but also mean or hurtful.
adj. sharply critical, sarcastic, or incisive in a way that is intended to hurt or diminish.
“She regretted her biting comments after she saw how upset her friend was.”
“The critic's biting review of the play was published on the front page, effectively ending the production's run after only one week.”
03a snack
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Cooking Dialect
n. a small piece of food or a snack.
n. a small portion of food or a light snack; specifically used in certain regional dialects of English.
“We served some small bitings and drinks before the main dinner started.”
“The host provided a variety of traditional bitings for the guests to enjoy while they waited for the wedding ceremony to commence.”
Teaching tip
This sense is primarily found in East African English, particularly in Kenya; learners should use 'snacks' or 'appetizers' in most other contexts.
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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