First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1bite
verb \ˈbīt\
of a person or animal : to press down on or cut into (someone or something) with the teeth
of an insect or snake : to wound (someone) by pushing a stinger, fang, etc., into the skin
: to grab and hold something without slipping
bit \ˈbit\ bit·ten \ˈbi-tən\ also bitbit·ing \ˈbī-tiŋ\
Full Definition of BITE
transitive verb
1
a : to seize especially with teeth or jaws so as to enter, grip, or wound b : to wound, pierce, or sting especially with a fang or a proboscis
2
: to cut or pierce with or as if with an edged weapon
3
: to cause sharp pain or stinging discomfort to
4
: to take hold of
5
archaic : to take in : cheat
intransitive verb
1
: to bite or have the habit of biting something
2
of a weapon or tool : to cut, pierce, or take hold
3
: to cause irritation or smarting
4
: corrode
5
a of fish : to take a bait b : to respond so as to be caught (as by a trick) c : to accept a suggestion or an offer <offered them a deal but they wouldn't bite>
6
: to take or maintain a firm hold
7
: to produce a negative effect <the recession began to bite>
8
— bit·er \ˈbī-tər\ noun
— bite off more than one can chew
: to undertake more than one can handle
— bite one's tongue
: to hold back (as from a reluctance to offend) a remark one would like to make
— bite the bullet
: to enter with resignation upon a difficult or distressing course of action
— bite the dust
1
: to fall dead especially in battle
2
a : to suffer humiliation or defeat b : to come to an end
— bite the hand that feeds one
: to injure a benefactor maliciously
See bite defined for English-language learners
See bite defined for kids
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Origin of BITE
Middle English, from Old English bītan; akin to Old High German bīzan to bite, Latin findere to split
2bite
noun
: an act of biting
: the way the upper and lower teeth come together
: the amount of food eaten with a bite
Full Definition of BITE
1
a : the act of biting b : the manner of biting; especially : occlusion 1b
2
4
: a wound made by biting
5
: the hold or grip by which friction is created or purchase is obtained
6
: a surface that creates friction or is brought into contact with another for the purpose of obtaining a hold
7
a : a keen incisive quality b : a sharp penetrating effect
8
: a single exposure of an etcher's plate to the corrosive action of acid
9
: an amount taken usually in one operation for one purpose : share
10
See bite defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BITE
15th century
BITE Defined for Kids
1bite
verb \ˈbīt\
bit \ˈbit\bit·ten \ˈbi-tən\bit·ing \ˈbī-tiŋ\
Definition of BITE for Kids
1
: to seize, grip, or cut into with or as if with teeth <bite an apple>
2
: to wound or sting usually with a stinger or fang <A mosquito bit me.>
3
: to take a bait <The fish are biting.>
2bite
noun
Definition of BITE for Kids
1
: an act of seizing or cutting into with the teeth <three quick bites>
2
: a wound made by biting : sting <a mosquito bite>
3
: the amount of food taken at a bite <I just had a bite of dessert.>
4
: a sharp or biting sensation <The pepper has a bite.>
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