1
a
: to seize especially with teeth or jaws so as to enter, grip, or wound
was bitten by a dog
b
: to wound, pierce, or sting especially with a fang or a proboscis
getting bitten by mosquitoes
a snake bit his leg
2
: to cut or pierce with or as if with an edged weapon
bit by his sword
3
: to cause sharp pain or stinging discomfort to
the sleet biting our faces
4
: to take hold of
help the pliers bite the part
5
archaic
: to take in : cheat
1
: to bite or have the habit of biting something
This cat bites.
2
of a weapon or tool
: to cut, pierce, or take hold
bites down on the part
The anchor bites into the ocean floor.
3
: to cause irritation or smarting
Her criticisms really bite.
4
: corrode
5
a
of fish
: to take a bait
The fish aren't biting today.
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
The anchor didn't bite well.
7
: to produce a negative effect
the recession began to bite
8
9
US slang
: to imitate or copy (someone or something) especially without permission
There are lots of rappers biting his style—but there's only one James Brown!—
Spin
Spin
plural bites
1
a
: the act of biting
took a bite of the sandwich
felt a bite at the end of the fishing line
b
: the manner of biting
2
4
: a wound made by biting
The bite became infected.
5
: the hold or grip by which friction (see friction sense 1b) is created or purchase (see purchase entry 2 sense 3a(1)) 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
a writing style that lacks bite
a satirical bite
b
: a sharp penetrating effect
The soup has a peppery bite.
the bite of the wind on our cheeks
8
etching
: a single exposure of an etcher's plate to the corrosive action of acid
9
: an amount (as of money) taken usually in one operation for one purpose : share
a 15 percent bite for his manager
10
: sound bite
a 10-second news bite
11
: an expression of interest in something being offered
In seven previous days, the seller didn't get a single bite [=no one expressed interest in buying what was offered].—Jerry Garrett et al.
Jerry Garrett et al.Examples of bite in a Sentence
Verb
The hamster bit the child.
She bit the cookie in half.
Some people bite their nails when they feel nervous.
A wild animal may bite if it is frightened.
The patient had been bitten by a poisonous snake.
The mosquitoes are biting tonight.
Are the fish biting today?
Noun
He ate the candy bar in three quick bites.
She gave her lip a gentle bite.
The fisherman felt a bite at the end of his line and reeled in a fish.
My teenage daughter wears a special device at night to correct her bite.
Don't scratch that mosquito bite.
Recent Examples on the Web
Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
But at this time of the year, when teams are trying to offload expiring contracts for draft picks, the Cowboys cannot and should not bite.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2025
Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
On Fridays patrons can enjoy light bites while a DJ plays a mix of Caribbean sounds; Saturdays they are treated to live music, and Sundays offer wellness with morning yoga, an afternoon drum class and evening jazz.
—Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bite
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
During the clip, the owner notices a large chunk has been ripped (or bitten) out of the flooring, and there’s only one suspect hovering around nearby.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
But at this time of the year, when teams are trying to offload expiring contracts for draft picks, the Cowboys cannot and should not bite.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
By charring scallions and searing steak in the same skillet, every bite builds layers of savory, smoky flavor.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
On Fridays patrons can enjoy light bites while a DJ plays a mix of Caribbean sounds; Saturdays they are treated to live music, and Sundays offer wellness with morning yoga, an afternoon drum class and evening jazz.
—Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bite
Cite this Entry
“Bite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bite. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bite
1 of 2 verb1
: to seize, grip, or cut into with or as if with teeth
bite an apple
2
: to wound, pierce, or sting
bitten by a snake
a mosquito bit me
3
: to cause to smart : sting
pepper bites the mouth
4
: to eat into
acid biting into metal
5
: to take bait
the fish are biting
6
: to respond to something tempting
bite
2 of 2 noun1
a
: a seizing of something by biting
b
: the grip taken in biting
2
a
: the amount of food taken at a bite
b
: a small amount of food : snack
3
: a wound made by biting
4
: a sharp penetrating quality or effect
the bite of the cold wind on our cheeks
Medical Definition
bite
1 of 2 verb1
: to seize especially with teeth or jaws so as to enter, grip, or wound
2
: to wound, pierce, or sting especially with a fang or a proboscis
: to bite or have the habit of biting something
bite
2 of 2 noun1
: the act or manner of biting
especially
: occlusion sense 2a
2
: a wound made by biting
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