Illustration of bit
- 1curb
- 2 snaffle
1
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
b
2
: something bitten or held with the teeth:
a
: the usually steel part of a bridle inserted in the mouth of a horse
b
: the rimmed mouth end on the stem of a pipe or cigar holder
3
: something that curbs or restrains
4
: the part of a key that enters the lock and acts on the bolt and tumblers (see tumbler sense 3a)
bitted; bitting
1
a
: 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)
b
: to control as if with a bit
2
: to form a bit (see bit entry 1 sense 4) on (a key)
plural bits
1
: a small quantity of food
especially
: a small delicacy
2
a
: 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.
see also two bits sense 13
: something small or unimportant of its kind: such as
a
: a brief period : while
wait a bit longer
see also a bit, a little bit
b
: an indefinite usually small degree, extent, or amount
a bit of a rascal
every bit as powerful
a bit too sweet
see also a bit, a bit much, a little bit
c
theater
(1)
: a small part usually with spoken lines in a theatrical performance
a bit part
bit players
(2)
: a usually short theatrical routine
a corny comedy bit
4
: the aggregate of items, situations, or activities appropriate to a given style, genre, or role
rejected the whole bit about love-marriage-motherhood—
Vance Packard
Vance Packard1
computers
: a unit of computer information equivalent to the result of a choice between two alternatives (such as yes or no, on or off)
2
computers
: the physical representation of a bit by an electrical pulse, a magnetized spot, or a hole whose presence or absence indicates data
Examples of bit in a Sentence
Noun (2)
she left only a bit of the broccoli on her plate
bits of cookie scattered on the table
I'll have only a bit of food right now
this will only take a bit
known for a comedic bit in which she portrayed a very nervous student driver
wielding silver trays, the servers offered partygoers a variety of exotic-looking bits
Recent Examples on the Web
Gershon Harrell, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2025
While a headboard may seem like a small design detail in your overall bedroom layout, a little bit of creativity can make a big impact.
—Rebecca Shinners, Architectural Digest, 24 July 2025
Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2025
The mountain lion, which was collared, bit the child on a popular trail as the minor walked with family.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for bit
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.
Noun
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office says while the couple was waist deep in the water with their dog, an alligator bit the hand and wrist of the woman and dragged her under the water.
—Gershon Harrell, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2025
While a headboard may seem like a small design detail in your overall bedroom layout, a little bit of creativity can make a big impact.
—Rebecca Shinners, Architectural Digest, 24 July 2025
Verb
Osbourne later claimed the bat bit him, and he was treated for rabies.
—Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2025
The mountain lion, which was collared, bit the child on a popular trail as the minor walked with family.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for bit
Cite this Entry
“Bit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bit. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bit
1 of 3 noun1
: the usually metal bar attached to a bridle and put in the mouth of a horse
2
: the biting or cutting edge or part of a tool
the drill bit
bit
2 of 3 noun1
: a small piece or amount
2
: a short time
rest a bit
bit
3 of 3 noun1
: a unit of computer information that represents the selection of one of two possible choices (as yes or no, on or off)
2
: something (as an electrical pulse, a magnetized spot, or a punched hole) that physically represents a bit
Etymology
Noun
Old English bite "act of biting"
Noun
earlier bit "small piece of food," from Old English bita (same meaning)
Noun
binary digit
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share