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REFERENCE

biting

adj. · n.
US //ˈbaɪtɪŋ// UK //bˈaɪtɪŋ// bit·ing
  1. 1 very cold weather (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    describing wind or cold that feels sharp and painful on your skin.

    causing a sharp, stinging, or piercing physical sensation, typically in reference to wind or low temperatures.

    Example

    A biting wind blew across the lake, making our faces feel numb.

    Example

    The biting cold of the Arctic winter forced the expedition to remain in their shelters for three consecutive days.
  2. 2 sharp or hurtful speech (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    describing words that are clever but also mean or hurtful.

    sharply critical, sarcastic, or incisive in a way that is intended to hurt or diminish.

    Example

    She regretted her biting comments after she saw how upset her friend was.

    Example

    The critic's biting review of the play was published on the front page, effectively ending the production's run after only one week.
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  1. 3 a snack (n.)
    C1 Advanced Dialect Cooking

    a small piece of food or a snack.

    a small portion of food or a light snack; specifically used in certain regional dialects of English.

    Example

    We served some small bitings and drinks before the main dinner started.

    Example

    The host provided a variety of traditional bitings for the guests to enjoy while they waited for the wedding ceremony to commence.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is primarily found in East African English, particularly in Kenya; learners should use 'snacks' or 'appetizers' in most other contexts.

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