backbite

verb

back·bite ˈbak-ˌbīt

backbit; backbitten; backbiting

transitive + intransitive

: to say mean or spiteful things about a person (such as someone who is not present)

They beguiled the time by backbiting and intriguing against each other in a foolish kind of way.—

Joseph Conrad

backbiter noun

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of backbite was in the 12th century

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Style

“Backbite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backbite. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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Kids Definition

backbite

verb

back·bite -ˌbīt

backbit; backbitten; backbiting

: to say mean things about a person who is not present

backbiter noun

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backbite

verb

Word History

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