bitter

play

adjective bit·ter \ˈbi-tər\

Definition of bitter

1a : being or inducing the one of the four basic taste sensations that is peculiarly acrid acrid, astringent, or disagreeable and suggestive of an infusion of hops The pill leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. a bitter beer bitter dark chocolate — compare salt, sour, sweetb : distasteful or distressing to the mind : galling a bitter sense of shame
2 : marked by intensity or severity:a : accompanied by severe pain or suffering a bitter deathb : being relentlessly determined : vehement a bitter partisanc : exhibiting intense animosity bitter enemiesd (1) : harshly reproachful bitter complaints (2) : marked by cynicism and rancor bitter contempt was still bitter about not being chosene : intensely unpleasant especially in coldness or rawness a bitter wind
3 : caused by or expressive of severe pain, grief, or regret bitter tears

bitterish

play \ˈbi-tə-rish\ adjective

bitterly

adverb

bitterness

noun

See bitter defined for English-language learners

See bitter defined for kids

Examples of bitter in a Sentence

Cocoa beans have a bitter flavor.
The medicine had a bitter aftertaste.
We were struck by the bitter irony of the situation.
His betrayal had made her bitter.
She was still bitter toward her ex-husband.
He's the bitterest man I know.

Recent Examples of bitter from the Web

As this special report will argue, though, both Pakistan and India should more openly acknowledge the costs, to themselves and to the wider region, of their seven decades of bitter separation.

— The Economist, "Hissing cousinsWhy India and Pakistan hate each other," 22 July 2017
GOP leaders must have read his tweet demanding pure repeal with bitter humor.

— david a. graham, The Atlantic, "It's (Still) Never Trump's Fault," 18 July 2017
So that contingency could only arise via extended and probably bitter and divisive litigation, and only then if very clear evidence of successful election-tampering appears.

— ed kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "Could There Ever Be a ‘Do-Over’ in a Rigged U.S. Presidential Election?," 6 July 2017
The classic sharp and bitter hop flavors — think fresh pine — are traded for juicy sweetness and, when done well, nuances such as orange rind, honey, grass or even fresh marijuana.

— josh noel, chicagotribune.com, "How I learned to stop worrying and love hazy IPA — some hazy IPA," 5 July 2017
Now a bitter and public family dispute over the fate of his modest house has shattered Singapore’s image as an orderly authoritarian ideal and hinted at deeper divisions about its political future.

— richard c. paddock, The Seattle Times, "Dispute over Singapore founder’s house becomes national crisis," 4 July 2017
Now a bitter and public family dispute over the fate of his modest house has shattered Singapore’s image as an orderly authoritarian ideal and hinted at deeper divisions about its political future.

— richard c. paddock, New York Times, "Dispute Over Singapore Founder’s House Becomes a National Crisis," 4 July 2017
For the White team, Gloucester receiver Shayne McCabe and offensive lineman Shaun Sulpizio will join bitter rivals in Gloucester Catholic cornerback Colin Corrado and linebacker Neil McGee.

— teddy bailey, Philly.com, "Adam Taliaferro all-star game kicks off Friday night at Rowan," 28 June 2017
BRASÍLIA—Brazilian President Michel Temer on Tuesday vowed to stay in power and fight the bribery charges filed against him, inflaming a bitter political divide in a country battered by successive corruption scandals.

— paulo trevisani, WSJ, "Brazil President Michel Temer Vows to Fight Charges," 27 June 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of bitter

Middle English, from Old English biter; akin to Old High German bittar bitter, Old English bītan to bite — more at bite

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

bitter

noun bit·ter

Definition of bitter

1 : bitter (see ¹bitter) quality
2a bitters plural : a usually alcoholic solution of bitter and often aromatic plant products used especially in preparing mixed drinks or as a mild tonic (see ¹tonic 1b)b British : a very dry (see ¹dry 7b) heavily hopped ale

See bitter defined for English-language learners

Examples of bitter in a Sentence

The cocktail recipe called for a dash of bitters.
a good selection of bitters

Recent Examples of bitter from the Web

The Debutant ($10) was a refreshing and appropriately light blend of gin and Cointreau with blueberry syrup and rhubarb bitters.

— lindsey mcclave, The Courier-Journal, "Wiltshire At The Speed should not be missed | Review," 21 June 2017
Cocktails include classics like the Painkiller and Piña Colada, and new house drinks such as the house grog (banana liqueur, Goslings Gold, Cruzan 9 spice, lime, grapefruit, honey syrup and Bittercube Mahalo bitters).

— carol deptolla, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Tiki spot the Love Shack opening in Walker's Point," 20 June 2017
Free of glycerin, chemicals, and dyes, the bitters are finely crafted and ready to elevate cocktails.

— caroline rogers, Southern Living, "Celebrate the South's Innovators at the Southern Food & Drink Entrepreneurs Awards," 5 June 2017
Add the bourbon or rum, tea and bitters, stirring to combine.

— m. carrie allan, sacbee.com, "Starting pitcher, relief pitchers: It's a rotation of summer punch," 29 May 2017
According to Wondrich, bartenders and drinkers started enjoying the mix of whiskey, bitters, sugar and ice in the 1850s and '60s, but at that point, the unfussy blend didn't yet have a name.

— joseph hernandez, chicagotribune.com, "Chicago's cocktail history is surprisingly bare. Why?," 15 May 2017
Try the Remember the Alamo, with Fortaleza Reposado, Cocchi Americano, honey syrup, Angostura bitters, lime, and… Laphroaig (remember Islay Scotch?) 560 4th Ave.

— laurie delk, Pacific San Diego Magazine, "Booze 101: All about tequila," 11 May 2017
As the team behind Critter Bitters discovered, the chirpy creatures taste great in cocktails as well.

— sabrina sucato, USA TODAY, "Bugging out: Culinary Institute serves up crunchy crickets," 11 May 2017
AleSmith won three golds with Horny Devil (Belgian-style strong specialty ale), Nut Brown Ale (brown porter) and Anvil ESB (extra special bitter).

— peter rowe, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Intergalactic's out-of-this-world triumph in Los Angeles beer contest," 11 May 2017

Origin and Etymology of bitter

see ¹bitter

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

Other Alcoholic Beverage Terms

finish, gimlet, mull, sake, setup, sommelier, syllabub, vintner, wassail

bitter

verb bit·ter

Definition of bitter

transitive verb
: to make bitter (see ¹bitter) bittered ale

Recent Examples of bitter from the Web

The version at Lake Nona’s Canvas Restaurant & Market adds a visually striking twist in a blood-red bittered ice sphere.

— tod caviness, Orlando Signature, "French Quarter - Orlando Signature's June Drink of the Month," 13 June 2017
Used as a bittering agent and preservative, hops are now bred and cultivated to contribute a myriad of flavors at various stages of the brewing process.

— spike carter, Bloomberg.com, "Beer Brewed With Flowers? It’s Totally Crushable, Bro," 9 June 2017
The Mandarina Bavaria hops are assertive — Orange County boasts 55 bittering units, putting it in the mid-range for an IPA — and keep the juicy oranges in balance.

— peter rowe, sandiegouniontribune.com, "¡Bravo! Tour Tijuana's booming cerveza scene in three easy stops," 4 May 2017

Origin and Etymology of bitter

see ¹bitter

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 12th century

See Words from the same year

Other Alcoholic Beverage Terms

finish, gimlet, mull, sake, setup, sommelier, syllabub, vintner, wassail

bitter

adverb bit·ter

Definition of bitter

: to an intense or severe degree : to a bitter (see ¹bitter) degree It's bitter cold.

Origin and Etymology of bitter

see ¹bitter

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

BITTER Defined for English Language Learners

bitter

play

adjective

Definition of bitter for English Language Learners

: having a strong and often unpleasant flavor that is the opposite of sweet
: causing painful emotions : felt or experienced in a strong and unpleasant way
: angry and unhappy because of unfair treatment

bitter

noun

Definition of bitter for English Language Learners

bit*ters : a bitter alcoholic liquid that is used especially in mixed drinks
: a type of beer that has a slightly bitter flavor

BITTER Defined for Kids

bitter

play

adjective bit·ter \ˈbi-tər\

Definition of bitter for Students

bitterer

;

bitterest

1 : sharp, biting, and unpleasant to the taste
2 : unhappy and angry because of unfair treatment She was bitter toward her spoiled sister.
3 : hard to put up with a bitter disappointment
4 : caused by anger, distress, or sorrow bitter tears
5 : very harsh or sharp : biting a bitter wind

bitterly

adverb wept bitterly

bitterness

noun

Medical Dictionary

bitter

play

adjective bit·ter \ˈbit-ər\

Medical Definition of bitter

: being or inducing the one of the four basic taste sensations that is peculiarly acrid, astringent, or disagreeable and suggestive of an infusion of hops—compare salt 2, sour, sweet