biting

adjective

bit·​ing ˈbī-tiŋ 

: having the power to bite

a biting wind

especially : able to grip and impress deeply

a biting wit

bitingly

ˈbī-tiŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• bitter
• cutting
• keen
• penetrating
• piercing
• raw
• sharp
• shrewd
• smarting
• stinging

Examples of biting in a Sentence

a biting wind that only the toughest football fans were willing to endure

the biting comments by the pundits about the government's inaction

Recent Examples on the Web

Now, 72 hours after being purged because they were considered probationary workers, a biting reality has set in for many of them. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025

For example, a trip to Everglades National Park at the peak of summer could overlap with hurricane season or generally have higher biting insect activity and humid heat. —Korrin Bishop, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2025

Special counsel Jack Smith releases a biting defense of the Trump Jan. 6 investigation. —Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 14 Jan. 2025

Despite the biting cold, show attendees embraced a minimalist approach to beauty, favoring natural, dewy complexions over heavy makeup. —Stixx Mathews, Essence, 10 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing biting

• biting louse
• biting midge
• crib biting

Rhymes for biting

• blighting
• citing
• fighting
• lighting
• righting
• sighting
• siting
• slighting
• whiting
• writing
• alighting
• backbiting

Kids Definition

biting

adjective

bit·​ing ˈbīt-iŋ 

: causing bodily or mental distress : sharp, cutting

biting wit

a biting cold