Bite

/baɪt/

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
3 meanings1 idiom/phrase1 question

Definitions

3 meanings
1

To cut or crush with the teeth.

/baɪt/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To use one's teeth to cut or crush something.

He bit into the apple.

💡 Simply: To use your teeth to cut something.

More Examples

2

The mosquito bit her on the arm.

How It's Used

Everyday Life

"The dog bit the postman."

Medical

"The insect bite caused a severe allergic reaction."

2

The act of biting; a wound from a bite.

/baɪt/

nounneutralBeginner
General

An act of biting; a wound caused by biting.

The dog's bite was quite painful.

💡 Simply: A wound from being bitten.

More Examples

2

There were bite marks on the apple.

How It's Used

Everyday Life

"The dog left a nasty bite on his leg."

Fishing

"He felt a strong bite on his fishing line."

Tip:Imagine the mark left after a bite.
3

A small piece of food.

/baɪt/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A small amount or quantity.

I'll just have a bite.

💡 Simply: A little piece of something to eat.

More Examples

2

Take a bite of this cake.

How It's Used

Informal

"Could I have a bite of your sandwich?"

Tip:Think of taking a small bite of a cookie.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Idioms & expressions

bite the bullet

To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and stoicism.

"He had to bite the bullet and tell her the bad news."

From Old English *bītan, of Proto-Germanic origin; related to Dutch bijten, German beissen.

The word 'bite' has been used in a variety of contexts throughout history, from the literal act of biting to figurative uses like 'biting sarcasm'.

Memory tip

Think of a dog biting a bone.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"To seize or grip with the teeth."

Base: bite
take a bitebite the dustlove bite

Common misspellings

bytebight

Usage

70%Spoken
30%Written