ankle biter

noun

variants or ankle-biter

ˈaŋ-kəl-ˌbī-tər

1

informal : a young child

The only topics of conversation among parents are about the ankle biters and their various extracurricular activities … and food allergies.—

Deborah Hill Cone

2

informal : a small, aggressive dog

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Cut these ankle biters some slack and don’t roll your eyes. —

Christopher Muther, BostonGlobe.com, 26 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ankle biter.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of ankle biter was in 1840

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ankle biter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ankle%20biter. Accessed 28 Jan. 2023.

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