bite
verb
\ ˈbīt
\
\
bit\ ˈbit
\;
bitten\ ˈbi-tᵊn
\
also bit;
biting\ ˈbī-tiŋ
\
\;
bitten\ ˈbi-tᵊn
\
also bit;
biting\ ˈbī-tiŋ
\
Definition of bite
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: to seize especially with teeth or jaws so as to enter, grip, or wound
was bitten by a dog
b
: to wound, pierce, or sting especially with a fang or a proboscis
getting bitten by mosquitoes a snake bit his leg
2
: to cut or pierce with or as if with an edged weapon
bit by his sword
3
: to cause sharp pain or stinging discomfort to
the sleet biting our faces
4
: to take hold of
help the pliers bite the part
1
: to bite or have the habit of biting something
This cat bites.
2
of a weapon or tool
: to cut, pierce, or take hold
bites down on the part The anchor bites into the ocean floor.
3
: to cause irritation or smarting
Her criticisms really bite.
4
: corrode
5a
of fish
: to take a bait
The fish aren't biting today.
b
: to respond so as to be caught (as by a trick)
c
: to accept a suggestion or an offer
offered them a deal but they wouldn't bite
6
: to take or maintain a firm hold
The anchor didn't bite well.
7
: to produce a negative effect
the recession began to bite
9
US slang
: to imitate or copy (someone or something) especially without permission
There are lots of rappers biting his style—but there's only one James Brown! — Spin
bite off more than one can chew
bite one's tongue
bite the bullet
bite the dust
bite the hand that feeds one
: to undertake more than one can handle
: to hold back (as from a reluctance to offend) a remark one would like to make
: to enter with resignation upon a difficult or distressing course of action
1
: to fall dead especially in battle
2a
: to suffer humiliation or defeat
b
: to come to an end
: to injure a benefactor maliciously
bite
noun
plural bites
Definition of bite (Entry 2 of 2)
1a
: the act of biting
took a bite of the sandwich felt a bite at the end of the fishing line
2
: food: such as
a
: the amount of food taken at a bite : morsel
couldn't eat another bite
b
: a small amount of food : snack
have a bite to eat
4
: a wound made by biting
The bite became infected.
5
: the hold or grip by which friction (see friction sense 1b) is created or purchase (see purchase entry 2 sense 3b(1)) is obtained
6
: a surface that creates friction or is brought into contact with another for the purpose of obtaining a hold
7a
: a keen incisive quality
a writing style that lacks bite a satirical bite
b
: a sharp penetrating effect
The soup has a peppery bite. the bite of the wind on our cheeks
8
etching
: a single exposure of an etcher's plate to the corrosive action of acid
9
: an amount (as of money) taken usually in one operation for one purpose : share
a 15 percent bite for his manager
10
: sound bite
a 10-second news bite
11
: an expression of interest in something being offered
In seven previous days, the seller didn't get a single bite [=no one expressed interest in buying what was offered].— Jerry Garrett et al.