# stinging

/ˈstɪŋɪŋ/ (US) · /stˈɪŋɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stinging
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

causing a sharp, burning pain, like the feeling of a bee bite or a harsh comment. You use it to describe physical feelings or words that hurt your feelings.

For teachers: causing a sharp, localized, and burning sensation. Often used figuratively to describe critical or hurtful remarks that cause emotional distress.

## Examples

- The stinging nettles hurt my legs while I was walking.
- She felt a stinging sensation in her eyes as the smoke from the campfire blew toward her.
- The politician's stinging rebuke of the new policy left his colleagues in stunned silence, effectively ending any hope for a quick consensus.

## Usage notes

- Often used both literally for physical pain and figuratively for emotional impact.

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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.