biting

[bahy-ting]

adjective

1. nipping; smarting; keen.

   biting cold; a biting sensation on the tongue.

2. cutting; sarcastic.

   a biting remark.

   Synonyms: scathing, mordant, caustic, trenchant, incisive

biting

/ ˈbaɪtɪŋ /

adjective

1. piercing; keen

   a biting wind

2. sarcastic; incisive

   a biting comment

Other Word Forms

• bitingly adverb
• bitingness noun
• nonbiting adjective
• unbiting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of biting¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, biting is from the Middle English word bitynge. See bite, -ing ²

Example Sentences

Western sanctions have not been biting the Russian economy, though they have nibbled away at state revenues.

From Los Angeles Times

He also served bans for three separate biting incidents when playing for Ajax, Liverpool and Uruguay.

From BBC

Cummins has photographed the band for three decades, and always admired how Oasis fans identified with their working-class insouciance and biting humor.

From Los Angeles Times

And the question is more: Is he biting off way more than he can chew and his staff can chew?

From Los Angeles Times

He added: “I don’t care about Black Sabbath, I never did. Have no interest in biting the heads of chickens or whatever they do. I couldn’t care less, you know.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acerbic 
• bitter 
• caustic 
• incisive 
• mordant 
• scathing 
• sharp 
• stinging www.thesaurus.com
• trenchant 
• withering