Word
stinger
US/ˈstɪŋɝ/
UK/stˈɪŋɡɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a sharp, pointed object that can cause a lot of pain, like a bee's needle or a knife. In a more modern sense, it can also mean a powerful ending to a story or a movie that leaves a strong impression.
n. a sharp, pointed instrument or appendage used for piercing or injecting venom. In a figurative sense, it refers to a powerful, memorable conclusion to a narrative or performance.
Examples
“The bee's stinger is very painful if it gets you.”
“The documentary ends with a powerful stinger that shows the impact of the policy on local families.”
“The director used a clever stinger at the end of the film to tie the protagonist's personal journey back to the central mystery of the plot.”
Examples
simple
“The bee's stinger is very painful if it gets you.”
contextual
“The documentary ends with a powerful stinger that shows the impact of the policy on local families.”
complex
“The director used a clever stinger at the end of the film to tie the protagonist's personal journey back to the central mystery of the plot.”
Real-World Examples
“Australian scientists have used high-speed video to uncover the unique mechanism that allows a honey bee's stinger to continue to pump venom into its target even after it has separated from the bee's body.” “The researchers examined stingers of bees, wasps, and scorpions; the fangs of venomous snakes; and the claws of centipedes.” “Venomous males have sharp stingers on the heels of their rear feet and can use them to deliver a strong blow.” Etymology
From sting + -er. Both figurative and literal senses appeared in the 16th century.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/stinger