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

France and Spain, by contrast, have centrist or center-left governments and favored a harder line and more biting retaliatory tariffs. —Matthias Matthijs, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2025

The non-biting midge resembles a rice grain and survives in damp moss and algae along the Antarctic Peninsula. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Dec. 2025

Known for its biting commentary on race, politics, and culture, The Boondocks earned a dedicated and critically appreciative fan base. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 13 Nov. 2025

Outdoor treatments are designed to reduce mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects that can make backyards difficult to enjoy. —Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025

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