itty-bitty

adjective

it·​ty-bit·​ty ˈi-tē-ˈbi-tē How to pronounce itty-bitty (audio)
variants or itsy-bitsy
: extremely small : tiny

Examples of itty-bitty in a Sentence

maddening swarms of itty-bitty insects flew around our faces
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Why is there such negative energy being hurled towards such an itty-bitty piece? Christian Allaire, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2024 Now, the shrunken trend is hitting cocktail menus and happy hours across the country, featuring micro versions of classic drinks in itty-bitty glasses. Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2024 Collagen peptides are itty-bitty forms of protein derived from animal collagen. Jenny Berg, Allure, 6 Oct. 2024 Except Trump wants to do away with itty-bitty things like FEMA and the Weather Service. Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for itty-bitty 

Word History

Etymology

probably from baby talk for little bit

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of itty-bitty was in 1938

Dictionary Entries Near itty-bitty

Cite this Entry

“Itty-bitty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/itty-bitty. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!