biting

adjective

bit·​ing ˈbī-tiŋ 

: having the power to bite

a biting wind

especially : able to grip and impress deeply

a biting wit

bitingly

ˈbī-tiŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of biting

• bitter
• sharp
• stinging
• penetrating
• piercing
• cutting
• brisk
• keen

Examples of biting in a Sentence

a biting wind that only the toughest football fans were willing to endure

the biting comments by the pundits about the government's inaction

Recent Examples on the Web

These pesky, tiny biting insects can be a nuisance and prevent you from enjoying time outside in your yard. — Lauren David, Southern Living, 29 May 2026

These tariffs were widely expected to have a biting effect on the economy. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2026

The tracks are more vulnerable, biting, and self-aware than ever, and in some cases, feature lyrics pulled right out of Hjelt’s diary. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2026

So Google isn’t trying to release more biting mosquitoes into neighborhoods. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing biting

• biting louse
• biting midge
• crib biting

Rhymes for biting

• blighting
• citing
• fighting
• lighting
• righting
• sighting
• siting
• slighting
• whiting
• writing
• alighting
• backbiting

Kids Definition

biting

adjective

bit·​ing ˈbīt-iŋ 

: causing bodily or mental distress : sharp, cutting

biting wit

a biting cold