bit

1 of 4

noun (1)

ˈbit

Synonyms of bit next

a(1)

: the biting or cutting edge or part of a tool

(2)

: a replaceable part of a compound tool that actually performs the function (such as drilling or boring) for which the whole tool is designed

put a new bit in the drill

used a 1/4 inch bit to make the hole

bits plural : the jaws (see jaw entry 1 sense 2a) of tongs or pincers

: something bitten or held with the teeth:

: the usually steel part of a bridle inserted in the mouth of a horse

: the rimmed mouth end on the stem of a pipe or cigar holder

: something that curbs or restrains

: the part of a key that enters the lock and acts on the bolt and tumblers (see tumbler sense 3a)

bit

2 of 4

verb

bitted; bitting

transitive verb

: to put part of a bridle in the mouth of (a horse) : to put a bit (see bit entry 1 sense 2a) in the mouth of (a horse)

: to control as if with a bit

: to form a bit (see bit entry 1 sense 4) on (a key)

bit

3 of 4

noun (2)

: a small quantity of food

especially : a small delicacy

: a small piece or quantity of some material thing

broken bits of glass

picking bits of lint off her sweater

b(1)

British : a coin of a specified small denomination

a threepenny bit

(2)

: a unit of value equal to ¹/₈ of a U.S. dollar (12 ¹/₂ cents)

—used only of even multiples

four bits

Note: No coin was ever issued in this amount.

noun (3)

computers : a unit of computer information equivalent to the result of a choice between two alternatives (such as yes or no, on or off)

computers : the physical representation of a bit by an electrical pulse, a magnetized spot, or a hole whose presence or absence indicates data

Phrases

a bit

: somewhat, rather

the play was a bit dull

a bit much

: a little more than one wants to endure

finds his constant joking a bit much

bit by bit

: by degrees : little by little

getting better bit by bit

to bits

: totally, thoroughly

thrilled to bits

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

For the remaining design elements, a fair bit of antiquing was required. —

Nicole Trilivas, Robb Report, 30 June 2023 This Fiskars is a bit on the large size, which makes this tool ideal for medium or big hands. —

Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 30 June 2023 Fill out your capsule wardrobe or opt for something a bit more fun — either way, this week is the perfect time to treat yourself. —

Kristine Thomason, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2023 Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, the fifth and final film in this astonishingly successful franchise, starts with a long, clunky and somewhat dull prologue that’s also a bit of a bait-and-switch. —

Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 30 June 2023 Even for an accomplished comedian like John Mulaney, every joke can't be a winner — and sometimes the bombs can be a bit brutal. —

Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 30 June 2023 For a bit more space, slice open the bags along the long side. —

Jen Karetnick, Southern Living, 30 June 2023 They're scheduled to start then, but the timing is still a bit uncertain. —

Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 30 June 2023 Advertisement Mid- to late afternoon showers and storms are possible on Monday and a bit on Tuesday (July Fourth). —

A. Camden Walker, Washington Post, 30 June 2023

Verb

The New York Daily News reported that the attacker was walking three unleashed dogs, who allegedly bit both the victim — a German pit bull mix — and a Chihuahua the owner was also walking. —

Julianne McShane, NBC News, 18 June 2023 After all, in the dark or in the middle of the bush, victims won’t always know what bit them. —

Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 13 June 2023 The type of shark that bit her however, is not known. —

Dan Radel, USA TODAY, 9 June 2023 While Lena nibbled on a slice of cake, an iguana ran up to her, bit her finger, and stole the snack from her, the outlet reported. —

Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2023 Jost immediately put his head down and bit his tongue as Che rejoiced in his partner’s humiliation. —

Ben Flanagan | Bflanagan@al.com, al, 23 Jan. 2023 In Ashford, Connecticut, 5-year-old Rylee MacNamara was waiting on her porch Friday for a bus to school when she was attacked by a raccoon, which bit her leg and refused to let go as the girl screams in fear, Yahoo! —

Cliff Pinckard, cleveland, 5 Dec. 2022 Moore also punched the two other deputies in the head and bit one of them in the hand before being subdued, according to the court document. —

oregonlive, 30 May 2023 But that day in spring 2021, as Destiny intervened, for several minutes the patient punched, kicked, and bit her. —

Renuka Rayasam, CNN, 16 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English bite, bit "bite of an animal, cutting edge, point, mouthpiece of a bridle," going back to Old English bite "bite of an animal, cut from a weapon," going back to Germanic *biti- (whence Old Saxon biti "bite, sting," Old High German biz [gebiz "mouthpiece of a bridle"], Old Norse bit), noun derivative from the base of *bītan- "to bite" — more at bite entry 1

Verb

derivative of bit entry 1

Noun (2)

Middle English bite, bit "mouthful of food, morsel," going back to Old English bita, bite, going back to Germanic *bitan- (whence Middle Dutch bete "morsel," Old High German bizzo, Old Norse biti), noun derivative from the base of *bītan- "to bite" — more at bite entry 1

Noun (3)

from binary digit

Note: The term bit was introduced into general circulation by Claude shannon in "A Mathematical Theory of Communication," Bell System Technical Journal, vol. 27, July, 1948, p. 380: "The choice of a logarithmic base corresponds to the choice of a unit for measuring information. If the base 2 is used the resulting units may be called binary digits, or more briefly bits, a word suggested by J.W. Tukey." The American mathematician John W. Tukey (1915-2000) had used the word in a Bell Labs memorandum, "Sequential Conversion of Continuous Data to Digital Data," dated January 9, 1947. Tukey employed bit as a counterpart in a binary system to digit in the decimal system. For details see "The Origin of Bit" in the "Anecdotes" section of Annals of the History of Computing, vol 6, no. 2 (April, 1984), pp. 152-55.

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Verb

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (3)

1948, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of bit was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century