itty-bitty

adjective

it·​ty-bit·​ty ˈi-tē-ˈbi-tē How to pronounce itty-bitty (audio)
variants or itsy-bitsy
Synonyms of itty-bittynext
: extremely small : tiny

Examples of itty-bitty in a Sentence

maddening swarms of itty-bitty insects flew around our faces
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cool girls are reaching for itty-bitty eyewear this season. Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 30 May 2026 From an itty-bitty Icelandic outpost backed by jaw-dropping landscapes to an ancient seaside settlement overlooking the Black Sea, here are 17 of the best small towns in Europe to visit on a trip across the pond. Anne Olivia Bauso, Travel + Leisure, 21 May 2026 These insects are itty-bitty bugs that can take up residence in homes, where they have been known to cause damage to fabrics and fibers. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 21 May 2026 My favorite music festival combo includes tall moto boots and a pair of itty-bitty shorts. Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for itty-bitty

Word History

Etymology

probably from baby talk for little bit

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of itty-bitty was in 1938

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Itty-bitty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/itty-bitty. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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