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.
Talkeetna, Alaska From March through August, itty-bitty Talkeetna (pop. Ashlea Halpern, AFAR Media, 1 Aug. 2025 Many of our favorite stars have already successfully experimented with this mashup of lengths and textures, including Harry Styles, who walked around London last month in an itty-bitty pair of red adidas shorts, a black crewneck sweater, a vintage purple cap, and slim-fit Prada sneakers. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 30 July 2025 Organizers called off the start of the Challenger Series portion of the competition on Wednesday, July 30, due to itty-bitty surf and a funky wind that was mucking up the conditions even more. Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 30 July 2025 The Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner schools of style follow a similar lexicon on most occasions—think ’90s-esque but elevated basics, sleek tailoring, and luxe details (usually that means a bag from The Row or some itty-bitty sunglasses). Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 July 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Itty-bitty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/itty-bitty. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

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!