hard-bitten

adjective

hard-bit·​ten ˈhärd-ˈbi-tᵊn How to pronounce hard-bitten (audio)
1
: inclined to bite hard
2
: seasoned or steeled by difficult experience : tough

Examples of hard-bitten in a Sentence

a hard-bitten Apache chief who could endure the scorching heat of the Arizona desert
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Alaska has devolved into a colony of big oil, and its politics have become so closed, hard-bitten, and strident. Jeremy Eichler, BostonGlobe.com, 12 July 2015

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hard-bitten was in 1686

Dictionary Entries Near hard-bitten

Cite this Entry

“Hard-bitten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard-bitten. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

hard-bitten

adjective
hard-bit·​ten
-ˈbit-ᵊn
: tough entry 1 sense 3
hard-bitten veterans
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